OF  THE 

Theological  Seminary, 

PRINCETON,  N.J. 

BX  5199   .R4  G8  1830 
Grimshawe,  T.S. 
Memoirs  of  the  Rev.  Legh 
Richmond,  A.M.,  of  Trinity 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/memoirsofrevleghOOgrim 


FuMi.shed  by  Jon"  LeaviU.  J^e\:- y-rli 
ant/  Cfoc/tertBmvs/er.  Boston. 1^9. 


MEMOIRS 


RET.  LEGH  RICHMOND,  A.M. 

N 

OF  TRINITY  COLLEGE,  CAMBRIDGE,' 
RECTOK  OFTURVEY,  BEDFORDSHIRE;  AND  CHAPLAIN  TO  HIS 
ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  LATE  DUKE  OF  KENT : 

AUTHOR  OF  THE 

DAIRYMAN^  DAUGHTER,  THE  YOUNG  COTTAGER,  &c. 


THE 

REV.  T.  S.  GRIMSHAWE,  A.M. 

IIECTOR  OF  BURTON-LATIMER,  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE;  AND  VICAR 
OF  BIDDENHAM,  BEDFORDSHIRE. 


Sixth  American,  from  the  last  London  Edition. 


NEW-YORK  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  JOxNATHAN  LEAVITT, 
182,  Broadway. 
BOSTOX  :— CROCKER  A:  BREWSTER, 
47,  Waslnngton-street. 

G,  L.  Austin  <fc  Co.  Printsrs. 

1830. 


9  < 


PREFACE. 


Ix  presenting  the  following  Memoir  to  the  public,  the  edi- 
tor has  to  express  his  regret  that  it  should  make  its  appear- 
ance so  much  later  than  the  period  originally  designed,  and 
under  another  name  than  what  was  announced  in  the  pros- 
pectus. In  explanation  of  both  circumstances,  it  is  necessary 
to  state  that  the  execution  of  the  present  work  was  first  pro- 
posed to  the  editor  by  the  family  and  more  immediate  friends 
of  Mr.  Ricmio>'D  ;  but  his  state  of  health  at  that  time,  and 
his  temporary  residence  on  the  Continent  for  its  recovery, 
opposed  an  insuperable  difficulty. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Rev.  He^ry  Gauntlett,  vicar  of 
Olney,  Bucks,  and  well  known  as  the  author  of  the  "  Exposi- 
tion of  the  Book  of  Revelation,"  kindly  engaged  to  under- 
take this  necessary  tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  aa- 
eminent  ministp"  and  faithful  servant  of  God,  as  well  as  to 
yield  to  the      .les  and  solicitations  of  the  Christian  public. 

On  the'  editor's  return  from  the  Continent,  in  the  autumn 
of  1827,  a  renewal  of  the  former  proposition  was  made  to  him 
from  a  persuasion  on  the  part  of  the  family,  that  his  long  ha- 
bits of  confidential  intercourse  with  Mr.  Richmond,  and  their 
frequent  participation  in  the  same  objects,  might  afford  ad- 
vantages which  his  friend  Mr.  Gauntlett  did  not  possess 
in  the  same  degree.  The  manner  in  which  Mr.  Gauntlett 
complied  with  the  known  wishes  of  the  family,  proves  the  dis- 
interested and  Christian  spirit  by  which  he  was  actuated  ; 
and  indeed  forms,  in  conjunction  with  the  above  urgent  entrea- 
ty, the  warrant  and  authority  for  the  present  undertaking. 

The  editor  fhrther  avails  himself  of  this  opportunity  to  avow 
his  personal  obligations  to  Mr.  Gaun'tlett,  for  the  various 
materials  he  has  supplied,  relative  to  the  earlier  part  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  life  and  ministry,  and  for  the  general  use  he 
kindly  allowed  of  the  papers  and  documents  which  he  had 
prepared. 


iv 


PREFACE. 


To  the  Rev.  J.  Fry,  Rector  of  Emberton,  the  editor  is  in- 
debted for  correcting  and  revising  the  press,  as  well  as  for 
some  judicious  suggestions. 

He  also  begs  to  present  his  acknowledgments  to  the  rela- 
tives, and  numerous  correspondents  of  Mr,  Richmond,  who 
have  furnished  him  with  so  many  interesting  letters  for  inser- 
tion in  the  present  Memoir. 

Circumstances  over  which  he  has  had  no  control,  have 
very  much  restricted  him  in  the  time  necessary  for  complet- 
ing his  undertaking.  On  these  grounds  he  has  to  solicit  the 
indulgence  of  the  public.  He  cannot  dismiss  the  work  with- 
out expressing  his  earnest  prayer  that  its  perusal  may  be 
accompanied  by  the'divine  blessing  ;  and  that  it  may  be  made 
subservient  to  the  increase  of  piety  in  our  own  Church,  and 
toithe  general  edification  of  the  Church  of  Christ  among  all 
who  read  it. 


PREFACE   TO  THE   SECOND  LONDON  EDITION. 

The  short  period  allotted  to  the  editor  for  the  execution  of 
his  undertaking,  prevented  that  deliberate  consideration,  and 
careful  revision,  which  was  no  less  due  to  the  subject  itself, 
than  to  his  own  personal  feelings.  In  the  present  edition 
he  has  endeavored  to  introduce  a  few  improvements,  bv 
compressing  some  parts  of  the  Memoir,  and  amplifying 
others.  Grateful  for  the  kind  reception  "  which  it  has 
been  honored,  he  once  more  commits  it  to  the  t.i;ine  bless- 
ing;  and  if  the  perusal  of  these  pages  shall  be  found  to 
elevate  the  standard  of  ministerial  doctrine,  faithfulness,  and 
zeal ;  and  to  promote  the  edification  of  the  general  reader, 
he  wishes  no  better  testimony  to  the  memory  of  his  de- 
ceased friend,  nor  a  more  gratifying  remuneration  for  his 
own  labors. 


CHAP.  L 

Page 

Preliminary  remarks — Birth  of  Legh  Richmond — His 
ancestry ;  education  ;  and  incidents  of  early  years — 
Promise  of  talent — Completion  of  his  education  at 
School,        .  .  ...  ;  9 

CHAP.  IL 

Comprising  the  period  from  his  entrance' at  the  University, 
till  his  marriage,  and,  acceptance  of  the  curacy  of 
Brading,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,         ,  .  .13 

CHAP.  HL 

His  entrance  on  Ms  professional  duties — UemarhaUe 
•  change  in  his  views  and  conduct,  and  the  incident 
that  occasioned  it— Reflections  on  th^  foregoing  event,  21 

CHAP.  IV. 

Developement  of  his  character — Dedication  of  his  time 
and  thoughts  to  profitable  objects — Fondness  for  the 
scenes  of  nature — Spiritual  reflections  upon  them — 
Zeal  in  his  ministerial  duties — Letters  and  Diary — 
Remarks,  .....  27 

CHAP.  V. 

Relation  of  circumstances  occurring  during  the  period  of 
the  foregoing  chapter,  .  .  .  .49 

CHAP.  VI. 

His  removal  from  the  Isle  of  Wight — Temporary  cm- 
nexion  with  the  Lock  Hospital,  in  London — and  final 
settlement  at  Turvey,  .  .  .  .62 


vi 


CONTENTS. 


CHAP.  VII. 

Page 

Commencement  of  his  ministerial  labours  at  Turvey-^ 
Former  state  of  the  parish — Plans  and  exertions  for 
its  improvement — Judicious  rules  and  regulations  of 
his  Friendly  Society — Effect  of  his  exertions — His 
*  Fathers  of  the  English  Church'' — Doctrine  and  mode 
of  preaching — Brief  reflections  on  controversy,  .  68 

CHAP.  VHI. 

His  talent  for  extempore  preaching — Authority  and  ex- 
pediency of  this  mode  considered — Family  Letters — 
Commencement  of  the  editor^s  acquaintance  with  him 
— Public  institutions — Vindication  of  their  character, 
necessity,  and  usefulness,  ...  90 

CHAP.  IX, 

His  anniversary  sermon  for  the  Church  Missionary 
Society — Meeting  at  Bedford  in  behalf  of  the  Jews, 
Bedfordshire  Bible  Society — Tours  for  the  Jewish 
and  Church  Missionary  Societies — Extracts  from  his 
Journals — Success  of  these  tours — Their  influence  on 
the  general  interests  of  religion-^On  his  own  personal 
improvement — On  that  of  his  parish  and  family,  123 

CHAP.  X. 

Detection  of  an  extraordinary  imposture  by  Mr,  Rich- 
mond— publication  of  his  tracts — Review  of  them-^ 
Their  great  popularity  and  extensive  circulation,  SfC 
— American  editions — Remarks  on  the  subject — Mr. 
Richmond's  connexion  with  the  Tract  Society,  .  166 

CHAP.  XI. 

His  appointment  as  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Kent — 
Mrs,  Richmond's  illness — New  schoohroom — Report 
of  his  son's  death — Embarrassment,  arising  from  his 
publication  of '  The  Fathers  of  the  English  Church'— 
Interview  with  the  Emperor  of  Russia^ Letters  to  and 


CONTENTS. 


vii 


Page. 

from  his  Imperial  Majesty — Princess  Metstchersky — 
Letters  to  Mrs.  Livius — Verses  written  on  the  mar- 
riage of  a  friend^s  daughter,  ►  .         .  185 

CHAP.  XII. 

Letters — Poetry — Description  of  Lake  scenery — Brief 
account  of  his  first  tour  to  Scotland — His  sentiments 
on  Oratorios — Tribute  to  the  memory  of  his  mother, 
6fc.  207 

CHAP.  xnr. 

A  Tribute  of  affectionate  veneration  for  the  memory  of 
a  deceased  Mother  ;  in  a  series  of  Letters  to  his  Chil- 
dren.   By  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond.  .        . .  221 

CHAP.  XIV. 

Letter,  and  verses — Extracts  from  Diary — Tours  to 
Scotland — lona — Letters  ;  friendly,  family,  and  pas- 
toral— Memoir  of  Miss  Sinclair,  .  .  248 

CHAP.  XV. 

Death  of  his  in  fant — Marriage  of  his  eldest  daughter — 
Visit  to  the  North  of  Ireland— Texts  on  the  walls  of 
his  church — Extract  of  a  letter  to  his  daughter  F — . 
Isle  of  Wight  tour — Pastoral  letter — Journal — 
His  son  WiWerforce' s  illness  and  death — Reflections 
— Marriage  of  his  daughter  H — . — Nugent' s  ship- 
wreck, and  death — Letters — Apocryphal  question- 
Mr.  Richmond's  opinion  on  the  mode  of  preaching 
to  the  Jews — His  sentiments  on  other  subjects — Jour- 
ney to  Cromer- — Conversation  with  the  editor — Medi- 
tation in  his  study,  .  .  .  .        •  275 

CHAP.  XVI. 

Closing  scene — Funeral — Remarks  on  his  character,  <SfC.  328 


3iEMOIRSe 


CHAPTER  I. 

Preliminarj' remarks-  -Birth  of  Lech  Richmond— his  ancestry;  education;  and 
incidents  of  early  years— Promise  of  talent— Completion  of  his  education  at 
school.  '  '  , 

• 

To  record  the  excellencies  of  departed  worth,  and  to  en- 
deavour to  perpetuate  their  remembrance  is  a  tribute  no 
Jess  due  to  the  present  than  to  succeeding  generations.  Bi- 
ography, indeed,  has  usualy  selected,  as  the  subject  of  its 
memoirs,  the  lives  of  heroes  and  statesmen,  in  preference  to 
the  milder  though  more  useful  virtues  of  the  pious  and  the 
good  ;  because  the  passions  and  interests  of  men  never  fail 
to  be  excited  by  the  achievements  of  war,  and  the  disclo- 
sures of  the  cabinet.  But  in  pleading  the  cause  of  religious 
biography,  may  we  not  urge  the  superior  importance  of  its 
subject,  and  the  hallowed  tendency  of  its  aim  ?  Is  the  skill 
and  discernment,  emplo3^ed  in  increasing  the  resources  and 
glory  of  earthly  kingdoms,  to  be  compared  with  the  divine 
science  of  saving  immortal  souls  ?  Are  the  triumphs  of  the 
cause  of  God  less  real,  because  they  are  eternal  ?  Are  its 
victories  less  interesting,  because  their  object  is  to  contract 
the  limits  of  death  and  sin,  and  to-extend  the  empire  of  the 
Son  of  God  ?  It  is  no  small  praise  to  the  age  in  which  we 
live,  that  religion  begins  at  length  to  assume  the  pre-em- 
inence which  its  high  claims  and  heaven-born  character  de- 
mand. The  drama  of  human  life  has  long  been  characterized 
by  portentous  events  ;  and  reflecting  minds  seem  disposed  to 
recognize  in  the  past  convulsions  of  empires,  as  well  as  in. 
the  elements  of  discord  that  are  silently  preparing  the  way 
for  new  conflicts,  that  an  Almighty  hand  intends  to  make 
these  events  subservient  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  pur- 
poses,  and  to  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom. 

Among  those  who  have  contributed  to  the  revival  of  reli- 
gion in  the  present  day,  the  subject  of  the  following  memoir 
stands  highly  distinguished.  His  name  has  been  too  long 
associated  with  every  exertion  to  promote  the  growth  of 
2 


10 


MEMOIKS  OF  THE 


piety,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  not  to  have  excited  a  very 
general  soUcitude  for  whatever  may  illustrate  the  history  and 
character  of  a  man,  who  has  so  often  delighted  the  public 
by  his  eloquence,  stimulated  it  by  his  zeal,  and  edified  it  by 
his  example.  It  is  to  comply  with  this  desire,  as  well  as  to 
fulfil  the  claims  of  a  long  and  most  confidential  intercourse, 
that  the  present  memoir  is  now  presented. 

The  Rev.  Legh  Richmond  was  descended  from  an  ances- 
try highly  respectable  on  the  side  of  ooth  his  parents,  each 
of  whom  was  related  to  some  of  the  principal  families  in  the 
counties  of  Lancaster  and  Chester.  His  father,  Dr.  Henrj- 
Richmond,  practised  as  a  physician,  first  at  Liverpool,  and 
afterw^'ds  at  Bath,  where  he  resided  for  several  years. 
His  death  occurred  at  Stockport,  in  Cheshire,  in  the  year 
1806 ;  of  which  place  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond,  grand- 
father  to  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  formerly  rector. 

Dr.  Henry  Richmond,  was  the  fifth  in  lineal  male  descent 
from  Oliver  Richmond,  Esq.,  of  Ashton  Keynes,  in  the 
county  of  Wilts,  on  which  estate  his  ancestors  had  resided 
from  the  time  of  the  Conquest. 

The  mother  of  Mr.  Richmond  was  the  daughter  of  John 
Atherton,  Esq.,  of  Walton  Hall,  near  Liverpool,  and  by  the 
maternal  side  first  cousin  to  Dr.  Henry  Richmond. 

As  some  additional  account  of  the  family  appears  in  the 
progress  of  this  work,  recorded  by  his  own  pen,  any  farther 
statement  in  this  place  is  superfluous. 

Legh  Richmond  was  borp.  at  Liverpool,  on  January  29th, 
1772.  It  was  his  privilege  to  have  a  most  estimable  mother, 
endued  with  a  superior  understanding,  which  had  been  cul- 
tivated and  improved  by  an  excellent  education  and  subse- 
quent study.  In  addition  to  her  natural  talents  and  acquire- 
ments, she  uniformly  manifested  a  deep  sense  of  the  impor- 
tance  of  religion. 

This  affectionate  and  conscientious  parent  anxiously 
instructed  him^  from  his  infancy,  in  the  Holy  Sriptures,  and 
in  the  principles  of  religion,  according  to  the  best  of  her 
ability  ;  a  duty  which  was  subsequently  well  repaid  by  her 
son,  who  became  the  happy  and  honored  instrument  of  im- 
parting  to  his  beloved  mother  clearer  and  more  enlarged 
views  of  divine  truth  than  were  generally  prevalent  during 
the  last  generation.  It  seems  highly  probable  that  the  seeds 
of  piety  were  then  sown,  which  in  a  future  period,  and  under 
circumstances  of  a  providential  nature,  were  destined  to  pro- 
duce a  rich  and  abundant  harvest. 


KEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


11 


Ye  that  are  mothers,  and  whose  office  it  more  peculiarly  ' 
is  to  instil  into  the  minds  of  your  offspring  an  habitual  rev- 
erence for  God,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  truths  of  the  Gospel ; 
be  earnest  in  your  endeftyors  to  fulfil  the  duties  which  Prov- 
idence has  assigned  to  jou,  and  which  your  tenderness,  your 
af!ection,  and  the  constant  recurrence  of  favorable  opportu- 
nities  so  admirably  fit  you  to  discharge.  Consecrate  them 
to  God  in  early  youth  ;  and  remember  that  the  child  of  many 
prayers  is  in  possession  of  a  richer  treasure  than  the  heir 
of  the  amplest  honors  and  the  highest  dignities  ;  for  the  child 
of  many  prayers  can  never  perish,  so  long  as  prayer  is  avail- 
ing. To  faith  all  things  are  possible,  and  the  promise  stands 
iirm,  "  I  will  pour  my  spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing 
upon  thine  offspring," — Isa.  xliv,  3.  Pray  then  for  them,  and 
with  them.  There  is  an  efficacy  in  the  bended  knee,  in  the 
outstretched  hand,  in -the  uphfted  heart,  in  the  accents  of 
prayer  issuing  from  the  lips  of  a  mother,  suplicating  God 
to  bless  her  child,  which  faith  may  interpret  for  its  encour- 
agement, and  the  future  shall  one  day  realize.  There  is 
also  a  solemnity  in  the  act  itself,  peculiarly  calculated  to  eli- 
cit all  the  best  feelings  of  the  heart,  and  to  quicken  it  in  the 
.diligent  use  of  the  means  most  adapted,  through  divine  mer- 
cy to  insure  the  blessing. 

Discouragements  may  arise — impressions  that  once  ex- 
cited hope  may  vanish — the  fruit  may  not  be  apparent ;  yet, 
m  after  timfes,  under  circumstances  of  the  most  unpromising 
nature — amid  scenes,  perhaps,  of  folly,  vice,  and  dissipation 
— or  in  the  more  sober  m.oments  of  sickness  and  sorrow  ; 
the  remembrance  of  a  praying  m.other  may  present  itse  f 
with  overwhelming  emotions  to  the  heart.  The  events  of 
earty  days  ma)*  rise  up  in  quick  succession. before  the  mind, 
until  the  long-lost  wanderer,  recovered  from  his  slumber  of 
death  and  sin,  may  live  to  be  a  monument  of  the  pardoning 
mercy  of  God,  and  his  last  accents  be  those  of  gratitude  and 
praise  for  a  pious  mother. 
^  It  was  in  the  period  of  Legh  Richmond's  childhood,  that 
the  accident  occurred  which  occasioned  the  lameness  to 
which  he  was  subject  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  In 
leaping  from  a  wall,  he  fell  with  violence  to  the  ground  and 
injured  the  left  leg,  so  as  to  contract  its  growth,  and  impair 
its  strength.  It  is  a  remarkable  coincidence  that  somewhat 
of  a  similar  occurrence  befel  one  of  his  own  sons,  and  was 
attended  with  precisely  the  same  effects.  It  was  in  conse- 
qu'ence  of  this  accident,  that  Mr.  Richmond  received  the 


12 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


rudiments  of  his  early  education  under  the  sole  tuition  of 
his  father,  who  was  an  excellent  classical  scholar,  and  well 
acquainted  with  literature  in  general.  • 

In  addition  to  his  proficiency  in  plassical  and  other  ele- 
mentary  studies,  he  made  considerable  progress,  during  this 
period,  in  the  science  of  music  ;  a  predilection  for  which,  he 
retained  to  the  end  of  his  life. 

The  activity  of  his  mind  soon  began  to  develope  itself. 
Some  specimens  of  the  productions  of  his  early  years  have 
been  preserved  by  the  partiality  of  his  friends  ;  and  as  youth- 
ful talent  generally  delights  to  assume  a  poetic  form,  his 
iirst  efforts  were  devoted  to  the  Muses. 

We  insert  the  following,  which  were  written  when  he 
was  tv/elve  years  of  age. 

Before  the  earth  and  sea  to  man  were  given, 
Or  stars  were  spotted  o'er  the  crys/al  lienven  ; 
The  face  of  nature  was  throughout  the  same — 
A  rugged  heap,  and  Chaos  was  its  name  ; 
Nor  any  thing  but  piled  np  heaps  were  tliere, 
And  earth  and  sea  were  mixed  with  fire  and  air: 
jXo  radiant  sun  by  day  afl'orded  light. 
Nor  waning  Phoebe  shone  in  midst  of  night: 
Nor  earth  self-poised  in  fluid  air  was  placed, 
Or  sea,  with  circling  arms  the  earth  embraced* 

ON  THE  NORNING. 

Beiiold,  the  earth,  is  clad  in  sober  grey. 
And  twinkling  stars  foretel  the  approach  of  day. 
The  hare  runs  timid  o'er  the  bladed  grass, 
And  early  shepherds  on  the  meadows  pass. 
In  splendid  majesty  the  morning  star 
Welcomes  Aurora,  in  her  rosy  car. 
The  lark,  the  early  herald  of  the  morn, 
Whose  tender  sides  soft  gentle  plumes  adorn, 
Flies  from  her  nest  above  all  human  sight. 
And  to  the  skies  sublime  she  bends  her  flight. 
Her  pleasing  notes  the  ambient  hills  repeat. 
And  day  o'er  half  the  world  resumes  its  seat; 
The  splendent  sun's  etherial  light  appears. 
And  nature  wipes  away  her  dewy  tears. 

A  few  lines  in  imitation  of  jPope,  may  be  considered  as  no 
unsuccessful  illustratration  of  the  poet's  rule. 

*  'Tis  not  enough,  no  harshness  gives  off'ence. 
The  sound  should  seem  an  echo  so  the  sense.' — 
The  line  should  soften  when  the  bleat  of  sheep. 
And  gentle  zephyrs  soothe  to  placid  sleep; 
When  din  of  ratling  thunderbolts  is  heard, 
The  roughest  words  to  softer  arc  prefered. 
When  purling  rivulets  translucent  glide, 
The  liquid  letters  tlien  should  form  a  tide:. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


13 


Within  a  labyrinth,  the  line  seems  vext, 

Mazy,  inextricable,  and  perpiext, 

But  when  the  rougher  storms  fierce  range  on  high, 

And  heave  the  angry  billows  to  the  sky  ; 

When  rattling  rain  comes  hissing  down  in  showers, 

And  to  the  whirlpool  iii  a  torrent  pours , 

The  line  should  rage,  and  every  letter  move, 

As  if  great  Jove  was  storming  from  above. 

In  the  year  1784,  when  Legh  Richmond  was  in  his  thir- 
teenth  year,  he  was  consigned  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Breach  of 
Reading,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  further^ssistance  on 
account  of  his  lameness,  as  well  as  to  pursue  the  course  of 
his  education.  ,  He  was  subsequently  removed  to  Blanford, 
in  Dorsetshire,  and  placed  under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Jones,  vicar  of  Loders,  and  curate  to  Blanford  :  and  having 
made  a  very  creditable  proficiency  in  his  studies,  and  com- 
pleted his  education  at  school,  he  was  finally  sent,  in  the  year 
1789,  being  then  seventeen  years  of  age,  to  the  university 
at  Cambridge. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Comprising  the  period  from  his  entrance  at  the  University,  to  his  marriage 
and  acceptance  of  the  curacy  of  Brading  in  the  Isle  of  Wjght. 

Mr.  Richmond  was  entered  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge, 
m  the  month  of  August,  1789.  The  following  particulars 
have  been  communicated  in  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  A.  J. 
Crespin,  vicar  of  Renhold,  Bedfordshire,  a  contemporary 
of  his  in  the  University,  and  with  whom  he  formed  an  inti- 
mate friendship,  which  continued  to  the  period  of  his  death. 

"  I  perfectly  well  remember  that  our  dear  departed  friend 
came  to  Cambridge  for  admission  about  Midsummer,  in  the 
year  1789.  I  was  just  one  year  his  senior.  It  w^s  then  the 
custom  at  Trinity  College,  that  one  of  the  under  graduates 
should  take  the  candidate  for  admission  to  the  dean,  and  to 
one  or  two  others,  and  then  to  the  master  for  examination. 
It  fell  to  my  lot  to  perform  this  office  for  Legh  Richmond, 
and  thus  our  friendship  commenced.  He  came  into  resi- 
dence, according  to  the  usual  plan,  in  the  following  October; 
we  were  both  among  the  candidates  for  foundation  scholar- 
ships, and  after  a  public  examination  of  two  or  three  days, 
we  were  happy  on  finding  our  names  among  the  successful 
candidates ;  and  as  we  afterwards  dined  every  day  at  the 
same  table,  the  bands  of  our  friendship  were  drawn  still 
closer.  *  *  * 
2^ 


14 


3IEM0IRS  OP  THE 


"  I  can  with  perfect  truth  affirm,  that  during  the  under- 
graduateship  of  Mr.  Richmond,  he  applied  himself  closely  to 
his  studies,  and  was  considered  and  acknowledged  by  all,  to 
be  a  young  man  of  great  abilities  and  correct  conduct." 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  William  Tate,  chaplain  of  the 
Dock-yard,  Portsmouth,  and  tutor  of  the  Naval  Academy, 
contains  a  further  and  more  detailed  account  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's residence  at  college. 

"  Mr.  Richmond  and  myself  were  of  the  same  year  at 
Cambridge,  anM  had  the  same  college  tutor,  the  late  Rev. 
Thomas  Jones.  We  were  not,  however,  in  the  same  lecture 
room  till  v/ithin  a  year  of  our  taking  the  degree  of  A.  B.; 
hence,  our  intimacy  did  not  commence  till  about  the  begin- 
ning of  1793.  Mr.  Richmond  came  to  college  with  a  high 
character  for  his  proficiency,  both  in  classics  and  mathe- 
matics. In  fact,  I  often  heard  him  spoken  of  as  likely  to  be 
one  of  the  third  or  fourth  highest  wranglers.  At  the  annual 
college  examination  in  May,  he  was  each  year  in  the  first 
class,  and  consequently  was  a  prize-man.  1  do  not  recollect 
that  he  ever  was  a  candidate  for  a  University  prize  ;  indeed  I 
think  that  although  he  was  an  extremely  good  classic,  he  did 
not  consider  himself  sufficiently  practised  in  writing  Greek 
or  Latin  'verse,  to  venture  a  competition  in  this  respect 
with  the  distinguished  men  from  the  great  public  schools. 

"  That  he  had  a  great  fondness  for  social  life  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at,  as  he  was  so  well  informed  on  most  subjects, 
and  had  such  a  fluency  of  language,  that  conversation  with 
him  never  flagged,  and  his  company  was  generally  accept- 
able. He  visited  at  the  Lodge,  Dr.  Postlethwaite  being  then 
master,  and  was  noticed  by  some  of  the  senior  fellows,  in 
consequence,  I  presume,  of  their  having  been  friends  of  his 
father.  Dr.  Richmond,  who  had  himself  been  a  fellow  of 
the  college,  and  whose  name  stands  in  the  Tripos  as  having 
been  the  tenth  senior  optime,  in  January,  1764. 

"  Mr.  Richmond's  great  recreation  was  music,  in  which  I 
suppose  you  are  aware  he  was  eminently  skilled.  He  always 
had  a  piano-forte  in  his  room,  and  played  on  the  organ  also. 
To  any  tune  he  could^  as  he  played,  make  an  extempore 
thorough  bass.  His  musicial  talents  gave  rise-to  a  great  inti- 
macy and  friendship  with  the  late  Dr.  Hague,  the  professor 
of  music,  and  also  with  Dr;  Jowett,  then  tutor  of  Trinity 
Hall,  who  used  to  have  frequent  musicial  parties  at  his  apart- 
ments,  at  which  I  believe  Mr.  Richmond  was  generally  pre- 
sent. He  was  at  all  times  attentive  to  the  studies  of  the  Uni- 


RRV.  LEGH  RICHMO]ND.  15 


versity,  and  preserved,  throughout,  the  character  of  a  read- 
ing man.  Mr.  Copely  (now  the  Lord  Chancellor)  had  apart- 
ments directly  under  those  of  Mr.  Richmond,  and  as  they 
were  both  reading  hard,  they  commonly,  for  some  months 
before  taking  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  had  coffee  together  af- 
ter midnight.  He  went  through  the  public  exercises  of  the 
schools,  preparatory  to  his  degree,  with  great  credit,  and 
was  accordingly  placed  by  the  moderator  in  the  first  class. 
He  did  not,  however,  go  into  the  senate-house  to  stand  the 
final  examination,  owing  to  ill-health.  Dr.  Butler,  master  of 
Harrow  school,  was  the  senior  wrangler,  and  Mr.  Copely  the 
second ;  and  I  have  a  printed  Tripos  for  1794,  now  lying 
before  me,  at  the  bottom  of  which  are  the  following  words : — 

rFfii-ot  ^       '•^-'iworth,  Email.  }  In.Ima  QiijesUonistariim  classe  modera- 
o     *  ^  Ds.  Pwichmond,  Trill.   )  toribus  censebantiir. 

"  I  believe  our  year  was  the  last  in  which  those  who  went 
out  CEgrot,  in  the  first  class,  were  noticed  in  the  Tripos. 
Ever  since,  the  names  of  such  graduates  have  been  omitted 
in  the'list  of  honors ;  and  the  Cambridge,  Calendar,  in  giving 
a  list  of  honors  for  each  year,  has  omitted  the  names  of  the 
CEgrot,  in  1794,  and  all  the  preceding  years,  although  they 
were  actually  printed  in  the  original  lists.  Mr.  Richmond 
was,  for  some  years,  collecting  materials  for  a  great  work, 
which  he  intended  to  publish,  on  the  theory  as  well  as  history 
of  music.  After  taking  his  degree,  he  applied  himself  with 
great  ardor  to  his  favorite  study,  and  took  much  pains  to  pro- 
vide materials  for  his  intended  musical  publication,  which  he 
hoped,  might  be  ready  for  the  press  in  the  course  of  two  or 
three  years.  I  have  frequently  sat  with  him,  while,  for  hours 
together,  he  was  making  experiments  with  his  musical 
plates,  of  which  he  had  a  great  number,  some  of  glass  and 
some  of  copper,  of  all  the  common  regular  forms  ;  as  cir- 
cles, ellipses,  squares,  rhombuses,  pentagons,  6oC,  These 
he  screwed  down  at  a  particular  point,  so  as  to  be  perfectly 
horizontal ;  and  then,  having  sprinkled  fine  sand  over  the  sur- 
face, the  bow  of  a  violin  was  drawn  across  the  edge,  so  as  to 
draw  forth  a  musical  note :  and,  by  the  vibration  thus  caused, 
the  sand  was  shaken  from  the  vibrating  parts,  and  became 
collected  in  one  line  or  more,  formed  by  quiescent  points.  It 
seemed  very  remarakble,  that  whenever  that  particular  note 
which  was  the  limdamental  of  any  plate,  was  sounded  by  it, 
the  sand  invariably  took  the  form  of  a  cross,  having  its  centre 
in  the  centre  of  the  plate.    All  other  notes  which  could  be 


16 


ME3I0IKS  OF  THE 


sounded  by  the  same  plate,  diverged  from  the  fundamental 
note,  according  to  a  certain  scale ;  and  every  one  caused  the 
sand  to  take  a  different  form.  Sometimes  it  seemed  to  take 
the  figure  of  two  opposite  hyperbolas  ;  but  in  whatever  form 
it  rested,  the  figures  on  the  different  sides  of  a  straight  line, 
drawn  through  the  centre  of  the  plate,  were  exactly  the  coun- 
terparts of  each  other.  The  lines  formed  by  the  quiescent 
points,  in  the  vibrations  of  such  plates,  were  calculated  by 
Euler,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  Transactions  of  the  Imperial 
Society  of  Petersburgh  {Acta  Petropditana  ;)  but  the  results 
are  little  satisfactory,  being  commonly  expressed  in  hyper- 
bolic forms,  and  not  assuming  a  tangible  shape. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Richmond  was  member  of  a  small 
club,  formed  by  six  or  eight  Trinity  men,  for  the  discussion 
of  philosophical  subjects.  They  met  once  a  week,  at  each 
other's  rooms  ;  and,  to  prevent  expense  in  giving  suppers, 
nothing  more  was  to  be  provided  than  red-herrings,  bread, 
cheese,  and  beer.  Hence  they  called  this  society  the  "  Red- 
herring  Club."  The  respectability  of  the  members  appears 
from  this  circumstance,  that  nearly  every  one  obtained  a 
fellowship.  Mr.  Richmond  took  a  leading  part  at  this  time 
in  another  small  society,  which  was  named  The  Harmo- 
nic Society."  The  members  were  musical  amateurs,  who,  in 
turn,  gave  a  concert  every  fortnight,  at  which,  with  the  help 
of  two  or  three  hired  musicians,  they  performed  pieces  out  of 
Handel  and  other  celebrated  composers,  together  with 
catches,  glees,  &c.  In  1796  was  published,  by  Mr.  Dixon,  a 
townsman  of  Cambridge,  and  one  of  the  members  of  the 
Harmonic  Society,  a  collection  of  glees  and  rounds,  for 
three,  four,  and  five  voices,  composed  by  the  members  of 
that  society.  In  this  publication,  out  of  seventeen  pieces, 
seven  were  contributed  by  Mr.  Richmond. 

"  In  1796,  Mr.  Richmond  began  seriously  to  think  of  ta- 
king  orders,  and  of  marrying  on  a  curacy.  In  that  situation, 
he  intended  conscientiously  to  do  his  duty,  though  he  had 
not  the  deep  sense  he  afterwards  entertained  of  the  vast  im- 
portance  and  responsibility  of  the  charge  he  was  about  to 
undertake." 

The  important  period  to  which  Mr.  Tate  alludes  was  now 
arrived,  when  it  became  necessary  that  he  should  no  long, 
er  delay  his  choice  of  a  profession, — that  choice,  which 
exercises  so  powerful  an  influence  over  all  4he  events  and 
circumstances  of  future  life,  and  in  which  our  usefulness  and 
moral  responsibility  are  so  deeply  involved. 


KEV.  LEGH  EICHMO^D. 


17 


It  was  the  wish  and  intention  of  Dr.  Richmond  that  his  son 
should  direct  his  attention  to  the  law,  vrith  the  view  of  be- 
ing  called  to  the  bar  ;  but  the  predominant  views  of  his  mind 
after  taking  his  degree,  will  appear  in  the  following  letter : — 

'  Canihrklger  Feb.  18,  1794. 

"  My  dear  Father, — It  has  long  been  my  wish  to  write  to 
you  on  the  subject  which  has  occupied  so  much  of  my  atten- 
lion  of  late  ;  and  on  which,  during  the  solemn  interval  of  my 
confinement,  I  had  more  frequent  opportunities  of  meditating 
than  on  any  former  occasion.  I  hope  and  trust  that  I  have 
thought  more  seriously  on  this  subject,  and  have  pursued  a 
more  regular  train  of  sound  reasoning  and  self-examination  on 
account  of  my  illness,  than  if  I  had  enjoyed  an  uninterrupted 
series  of  good  health.  The  time  is  now  arrived  when,  after 
having  passed  through  the  regular  forms  of  an  academic  edu- 
cation, it  is  expected  that  a  young  man  should  select  his  pro- 
fession ;  and  on  the  foundation  (which  he  either  has,  or  ought 
to  have  laid  in  the  universitv)  of  sound  learning  and  good 
morals,  should  begin  to  raise  a  superstructure  of  such  mate- 
rials as  may  render  him  an  ornament  to  his  profession,  and 
a  satisfaction  to  his  friends. 

"  I  should  here  feel  myself  guilty  of  much  ingratitude,  or  at 
least  of  much  unpardonable  neglect,  if  I  did  not,  at  this  period 
of  my  life,  return  you  my  most  sincere  and  unfeigned  thanks 
for  the  repeated  testimonies  of  affection  and  generosity, 
v/hich  I  have  experienced  for  upwards  of  two-and-twenty 
years  at  your  hands  :  more  especially  do  I  feel  myself  indebt- 
ed to  you,  during  the  last  four  years,  for  placing  me  in  a 
situation  in  which  I  have  enjoyed  UHmberless  happy  hours  ; 
have  formed  friendships  and  connexions,  which  are  a  source 
of  honest  pride  and  satisfaction  ;  and  have  had  an  opportu- 
nity (which  1  hope  I  have  not  entirely  thrown  away)  of  ma- 
king great  proficiency  in  such  studies  and  acquirements,  as 
must  and  will  be  the  chief  basis  of  my  future  usefulness  and^ 
happiness.  If  such  be  the  obhgations  which  I  owe  to  your 
kindness,  what  must  be  my  insensibility  to  every  tie  of  af- 
fection, and  to  every  principle  of  honorable  feeling,  were 
I  deficient  in  my  expressions  of  gratitude  to  the  benevolent 
author  of  so  many  blessings.  Indeed,  sir,  I  am  neither  un- 
grateful nor  insensible.  It  has  not  been  my  custom,  hitherto, 
to  make  long  professions,  nor  to  enter  into  any  detail  of  my 
internal  feelings  ;  and,  perhaps,  owing  to  a  deficiency  of  this 
kind,  I  may  have  suffered  in  your  opinion,  on  some  particu- 


18 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


lar  occasions,  more  than  I  deserved.  It  now  appears,  there- 
fore, to  be  the  more  advisable  to  unfold  myself  at  large,  ob- 
serving, at  the  same  time,  that  the  chief  faults  and  errors  of 
which  I  hitherto  have  been,  and  of  which  I  am  still,  I 
fear  too  susceptible,  have  not  arisen  from  any  source  of  mo- 
ral depravity,  or  inate  viciousness  ;  but  from  an  evil,  which 
I  see  much  too  prevalent  among  young  men,  and  from  the 
contagion  of  which  I  have  not  been  entirely  able  to  escape  ;  I 
mean,  the  want  of  resolution  to  resist  temptation,  when  it  is 
opposed  to  their  better  convictions.  A  very  moderate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  younger  part,  at  least,  of  mankind,  will 
convince  any  observer,  that  a  certain  degree  of  irresolution 
is  by  no  means  inconsistent  with  many  better  quailities,  and 
often  has  its  origin  rather  in  the  influence  of  external  exam- 
pie,  than  in  any  real  viciousness  of  the  heart.  But  I  can  truly 
say  that  J  am  very  desirous  of  becoming  such  as  your  most 
sanguine  wishes  could  expect,  and  I  look  up  to  a  superior 
Power  for  assistance  not  to  violate  these  my  resolutions. 

"It  appears  tome, that  in  reviewing  the  respective  merits 
of  the  different  professions,  and  in  determining  upon  one  of 
them,  a  very  intimate  self-examination  is  requisite,  previous 
to  the  formation  of  any  fixed  resolution.  It  has  been  my  en- 
deavor for  five  months  past  to  pursue  this  difficult  undertak- 
ing ;  and  I  hope  I  have  not  failed  in  the  attempt.  The  church 
and  the  law  are  the  two  subjects  to  which  I  have  directed  my 
attention.  I  have  consulted  my  own  inclinations,  abilities, 
deficiencies,  merits,  and  demerits,  and  examined  them  in  as 
many  points  of  view  as  I  have  been  able,  in  order  to  deter- 
mine which  of  those  professions  v/as  the  best  calculated  to 
promote  my  own  happirress,  and  the  welfare  of  others.  My 
present  determination  is  in  favor  of  the  former,  principally 
from  the  following  considerations.  The  sacred  profession  is 
in  itself  without  doubt  the  most  respectable  and  the  most 
useful  in  which  any  man  of  principle  and  education  can  pos- 
sibly  be  engaged.  The  benefits  which  it  is  the  province  of 
tjie  clergyman  to  bestow  on  his  fellow-creatures  are  more 
widely  disseminated,  and  are  in  themselves  more  intrinsical- 
ly  valuable,  than  those  of  every  other  profession  or  employ- 
ment united  together.  To  a  conscientious  mind,  therefore, 
that  line  of  life  appears  to  be  the  most  eligible,  in  which  he 
may  be  enabled  to  do  the  most  solid  good  to  mankind. 

One  further  argument  with  myself  for  preferring  the 
church  to  the  law  is,  that  P^have  found,  from  four  years'  expe- 
rience, a  strong  inclination  to  study  several  branches  of  litera- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


19 


ture,  which  are  far  more  connected  with  the  church  than  with 
the  law,  as  neither  their  nature  nor  the  time  requisite  to  be 
bestowed  upon  them  would  allow  the  lawyer  to  exercise  him- 
self  in  them.  What  these  are  shall  be  the  subject  of  future 
information  to  you.  At  present,  my  desire  of  becoming  a 
VERY  good  general  scholar  is  so  much  stronger  than  that  of 
becoming  an  extremely  good,  particular  one,  that  I  am  con- 
vinced I  could  not  throw  aside  the  hopes  of  pursuing  my  fa- 
vorite  views  in  that  way,  and  dedicating  myself  solely  to  one, 
and  that  perhaps  not  the  most  inviting,  without  the  utmost 
regret.    Your  affectionate  son,         Legh  Rich.mo-xd." 

In  these  views  Dr.  Richmond  ultimately  expressed  his  ac- 
quiescence, though  his  own  wishes  inclined  him  to  recom- 
mend the  choice  of  the  bar  ;  and  thus  was  the  profession  of 
the  church  determined  upon,  for  which  he  subsequently 
proved  to  be  so  singularly  qualified,  and  in  which  his  influ- 
ence and  services  were  so  widely  felt  and  acknowledged. 

He  continued  to  reside  at  Cambridge  'till  the  end  of  the 
Midsummer  term,  in  1797,  pursuing  those  studies  which 
were  more  immediately  connected  with  his  future  destination. 

The  following  letter,  the  last  he  wrote  from  college  to 
his  father,  expresses  his  sentiments  more  fully  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  ministry,  and  of  his  preparation  for  those  duties, 
on  which  he  was  now  on  the  eve  of  entering.  It  is  dated 
June  30th,  1798  :— 

"  My  dear  father, — I  take  this  opportunity  of  returning 
you  my  most  hearty  and  sincere  thanks  for  all  your  kindness 
to  me  during  my  stay  at  Cambridge,  for  nearly  the  last  eight 
years.  I  look  back  on  the  time  which  I  have  there  spent, 
with  a  considerable  mixture  of  pain  and  pleasure.  That  I 
have  done  things  which  I  ought  not  to  have  done,  and  neglected 
to  do  things  which  I  ought  to  have  done,  is  most  true  :  yet 
have  I  added  very  considerably  to  my  stock  of  literary  infor- 
mation— have  gained  the  good  will  and  approbation  of  many 
respectable  and  good  men — have  made  acquaintances  and 
friends  of  several  literary  and  worthy  characters — have  ena- 
bled myself,  I  trust,  by  the  improvement  of  my  abilities,  such 
as  they  are,  hereafter  to  maintain  myself  I  have  also  had 
an  opportunity  of  contemplating  men,  manners  and  morals  to 
a  very  extensive  degree  ;  and  finally,  in  an  age  of  much  infi- 
delity, and  surrounded  by  many,  whose  principles  savored 
strongly  of  irreligion,  I  have  built  up  a  fabric  of  confidence  in, 


20 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


and  love  for,  that  holy  religion  of  which  I  am  now  a  professor. 
To  this  I  ultimately  look  as  my  future  guide  through  life,  and 
hope  it  will  enable  me  to  bear  with  fortitude  those  evils  which 
may  be  in  store  for  me  ;  for  who  can  expect  exemption  ?  In 
return  for  these  advantages,  I  have  to  offer  you  my  gratitude, 
and  my  affection  ;  and  let  what  will  hereafter  become  of  me, 
bear  in  mind  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  thing  human  to 
lessen  either  the  one  or  the  other.  I  am  now  preparing  to 
undertake  what  I  cannot  but  consider  as  a  most  serious  and 
weighty  charge — the  sole  responsibility,  as  resident  clergy- 
man, of  two  parishes.  So  far  as  information  is  required,  I 
hope  I  have  not  labored  in  vain  ;  so  for  as  good  resolution  is 
concerned,  I  trust,  I  am  not  deficient :  as  regards  my  success 
and  future  conduct  in  this  important  calling,  I  pray  God's 
assistance  to  enable  me  to  do  my  duty,  and  to  become  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Established  Church  ;  a  church  founded 
on  the  purest  and  most  exalted  principles  of  unsophisticated 
Christianity,  as  delivered  by  its  divine  Author  himself,  and 
confirmed  and  explained  Ly  his  inspired  successors.  The 
character  of  a  fashionable  parson  is  my  aversion  ;  "that  of  an 
ignorant  or  careless  one,  I  see  with  pity  and  contempt ;  that 
of  a  dissipated  one  with  shame  ;  and  that  of  an  unbelieving 
one  with  horror.  I  wish  you  to  read  a  little  book  lately  pub- 
lished, entitled,  '  Dialogues  on  the  Amusements  of  Clergy- 
men.' You  will  be  pleased  with  it,  as  will  my  mother  also,  I 
am  certain.  I  am  very  busy  preparing  sermons  for  my  future 
flock.  It  requires  much  practice  to  write  with  fluency  and 
ease.  Believe  me  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of  regard  and 
affection,- — Your  son,  L.  Richmond." 

"  To  Dr.  Richmond, 
Grecian  Coffee  House,  London.^' 

Mr.  Richmond  was  ordained  deacon  in  the  month  of  June, 
1797,  and  took  the  degree  of  M.  A.,  the  beginning  of  July, 
in  the  saine  year.  On  the  22d  of  the  same  month,  he  was 
married  to  Mary,  the  only  daughter  of  James  William  Cham- 
bers, Esq.,  of  the  city  of  Bath  ;  immediately  after  which  he 
proceeded  to  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  entered  upon  the  cura- 
cies of  the  adjoining  parishes  of  Brading  and  Yaverland,  on 
the  24th  of  July.  He  was  ordained  priest  in  February,  1798, 


SET.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


•21 


CHAPTER  IIL 

Misentrance  on  his  professional  duties— Remarkable  change  in  his  view?  and  con- 
duct, and  the  incident  thai  occasioned  it— Keflectioiis  on  the  foregoing  event. 

Mr.  Richmond  appears  to  have  entered  on  the  ministry  with 
the  desire  and  aim  of  discharging  its  important  duties  in  a 
conscientious  manner  ;  and  he  manifested  such  propriety  of 
conduct  in  his  moral  deportment,  and  in  the  general  duties  of 
his  new  charge,  as  to  procure  for  him  the  character  of  a  high- 
ly respectable  and  useful  young  clergyman.  A  few  months, 
however,  after  his  residence  at  Brading,  a  most  important  re- ' 
volution  took  place  in  his  views  and  sentiments,  vvhich  produ- 
ced a  striking  and  prominent  change  in  the  manner  and  mat- 
ter of  his  preaching,  as  well  as  in  the  general  tenor  and  con- 
duct of  his  life.  This  change  was  not  a  conversion  from  im- 
morality to  morality  :  for  he  was  strictly  moral,  in  the  usual 
acceptation  of  the  term.  Neither  was  it  a  conversion  from  he- 
terodoxy to  orthodoxy  ;  but  it  was  a  conversion  from  ortho- 
doxy in  name  and  profession,  to  orthordoxy  in  its  spirit,  ten- 
dency  and  influence.  But  before  we  indulge  in  any  further 
remarks,  it  is  necessary  to  record  the  particulars  of  the  oc- 
currence to  which  we  have  alluded.  Shortly  after  he  had  en- 
tered on  his  curacies,  one  of  his  college  friends  was  on  the 
eve  of  taking  holy  orders,  to  whom  a  near  relative  had  sent 
Mr.  Wilberforce's  "  Practical  View  of  Christianity."  This 
thoughtless  candidate  for  the  momentous  charge  of  the 
Christian  ministry  forwarded  the  book  to  3Ir.  Richmond,  re- 
questing him  to  give  it  a  perusal,  and  to  inform  him  what  he 
must  say  respecting  its  contents.  In  compliance  with  this  re- 
quest, he  began  to  read  the  book,  and  found  himself  so  deeply 
interested  in  its  contents,  that  the  volume  was  not  laid  down 
until  the  perusal  of  it  was  completed.  The  night  was  spent 
in  reading,  and  reflecting  upon  the  important  truths  contain- 
ed in  this  valuable  and  impressive  work.  In  the  course  of  his 
employment,  the  soul  of  the  reader  was  penetrated  to  its  in- 
most  recesses ;  and  the  effect  produced  in  innumerable  instan- 
ces, by  the  book  of  God,  was  in  this  case  accomplished  by 
means  of  a  human  composition.  From  that  period  his  mind  re- 
ceived a  powerful  impulse,  and  was  no  longer  able  to  rest  un- 
der  its  former  impressions.  A  change  was  effected  in  his 
views  of  divine  truth,  as  decided  as  it  was  influential.  He  was 
no  longer  satisfied  with  the  creed  of  the  speculatist — he  felt  a 
conviction  of  his  own  state  as  a  guilty  and  condemned  sinner, 
and  under  that  conviction,  he  sought  mercy  at  the  cross  of  the 
3 


22 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


Saviour.  There  arose  in  his  mind  a  solemn  consciousness 
that,  however  outwardly  moral  and  apparently  irreproacha- 
ble  his  conduct  might  appear  to  men  ;  yet  within,  there  was 
wanting  that  entire  surrender  of  the  heart,  that  ascendency  of 
God  in  the  soul,  and  that  devotedness  of  life  and  conduct, 
which  distinguishes  morality  from  holiness — an  assent  to  di- 
vine truth,  from  its  cordial  reception  into  the  heart ;  and  the 
external  profession  of  religion,  from  its  inward  and  transform- 
ing  power.  The  impressions  awakened  were  therefore  follow- 
ed by  a  transfer  of  his  time,  his  talents,  and  his  affections,  to 
the  service  of  his  God  and  Saviour,  and  to  the  spiritual  wel- 
fare  of  the  flock  committed  to  his  care.  But  while  his  mind 
was  undergoing  this  inward  process,  it  is  necessary  to  state 
how  laborious  he  was  in  search  after  truth.  The  Bible  be- 
came the  frequent  and  earnest  subject  of  his  examination, 
prayer,  and  meditation.  His  object  -w  disfontes  haiirire  sacros, 
to  explore  truth  at  its  fountain  head,  or,  in  the  emphatic  lan- 
guage of  Scripture,  to  "draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salva- 
tion."— Isa.  xii.  3.  From  the  study  of  the  Bible,  he  proceed- 
ed to  a  minute  examination  of  the  writings  of  the  Reformers, 
which,  by  a  singular  coincidence,  came  into  his  possession 
shortly  after  this  period  ;  and  having  from  these  various  sour- 
ces acquired  increasing  certainty  as  to  the  correctness  of  his 
recent  convictions,  and  stability  in  holding  them,  he  found, 
what  the  sincere  and  conscientious  inquirer  will  always  find, 
the  Truth ;  and  his  heart  being  interested,  he  learnt  truth 
through  the  heart,  and  believed  it,  because  he  felt  it. 

His  own  account  of  the  effect  produced  on  his  mind  by  the 
perusal  of  Mr.  Wilberforce's  book,  will  excite  the  interest  of 
the  reader.  Speaking  of  his  son  Wilberforce,  he  remarks  : — 

"He  was  baptized  by  the  name  of  Wilberforce,  in  conse- 
quence of  my  personal  friendship  with  that  individual,  whose 
name  long  has  been,  and  ever  v/ill  be,  alhed  to  all  that  is  able, 
amiable,  and  truly  Christian.  That  gentleman  had  already 
accepted  the  office  of  sponsor  to  one  of  my  daughters  ;  but  the 
subsequent  birth  of  this  boy,  afforded  me  the  additional  satis- 
faction  of  more  familiarly  associating  his  name  with  that  of 
my  family.  But  it  was  not  the  tie  of  ordinary  friendship,  nor 
the  veneration  whicb,  in  common  with  multitudes,  I  felt  for 
the  name  of  Wilberforce,  which  induced  me  to  give  that  name 
to  my  child :  there  had  for  many  years  past,  subsisted  a  tie 
between  myself  and  that  much-loved  friend,  of  a  higher  and 
more  sacred  character  than  any  other  which  earth  can  afford. 
I  feel  it  to  be  a  debt  of  gratitude,  which  I  owe  to  God  and  to 


RET.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


23 


man  to  take  this  affecting  opportunity  of  stating,  that  to  the 
unsought  and  unexpected  introduction  of  Mr.  Wilberforce's 
book  on  '  Practical  Christianity,'  I  owe,  through  God's  mercy, 
the  first  sacred  impression  which  I  ever  received,  as  to  the 
spiritual  nature  of  the  Gospel  system,the  vital  character  of  per- 
sonal religion,  the  corruption  of  the  human  heart,  and  the  way 
of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  As  a  young  minister,  recently 
ordained,  and  just  entrusted  with  the  charge  of  two  parishes 
in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  I  had  commenced  my  labors  too  much 
in  the  spirit  of  the  world,  and  founded  my  public  instructions 
on  the  erroneous  notions  which  prevailed  amongst  my  acade- 
mical  and  literary  associates.  The  scriptural  princples  stated 
in  the  '  Practical  View,'  convinced  me  of  my  error  ;  led  me  to 
the  study  of  the  Scriptures  with  an  earnastness  to  which  I  had 
hitherto  been  a  stranger;  humbled  my  heart,  and  brought  me 
to  seek  the  love  and  blessing  of  that  Saviour,  who  alone  can 
afford  a  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give.  Through  the 
study  of  this  book,  I  was  induced  to  examine  the  writings  of 
the  British  and  Foreign  Reformers.  I  saw  the  coincidence 
of  their  doctrines  with  those  of  the  Scriptures,  and  those  whicli 
the  word  of  God  taught  me  to  be  essential  to  the  welfare  of 
myself  and  my  flock.  I  know  too  well  what  has  passed  within 
my  heart,  for  nov/  a  long  period  of  time,  not  to  feel  and  to 
confess,  that  to  this- incident  I  was  indebted,  orginally,  for 
those  solid  views  of  Christianity,  on  which  I  rest  my  hope  for 
time  and  eternity.  May  I  not,  then,  call  the  honored  author 
of  that  book  my  spiritual  father?  And  if  my  spiritual  father, 
therefore  my  best  earthly  friend  ?  The  wish  to  connect  his 
name  with  my  own,  was  natural  and  justifiable.  It  was  a 
lasting  mem.orial  of  the  most  important  transaction  of  my  life  ; 
it  still  lives  amidst  the  tenderness  of  present  emotions,  as  a 
signal  of  endearment  and  gratitude  ;  and  I  trust  its  character 
IS  imperishable." 

Though  Mr.  Richmond's  mind  and  heart  were  experiencing 
the  remarkable  change  that  has  been  recorded,  it  is  necessary 
to  state  that  the  regularity  and  decorum  with  which  he  was 
previously  discharging  his  duties,  far  exceeded  those  of  ma- 
ny other  ministers.  If  then,  notwithstanding  these  exertions, 
he  was  still  conscious  how  much  he  fell  short  of  the  standard  of 
ministerial  faithfuless  and  zeal,  and  the  requirements  of  per- 
sonal holiness  ;  may  we  not  ask,  what  ought  to  be  the  convic-. 
tions  of  those  who  evince  a  far  less  degree  of  earnestness, 
where  the  claims  are  precisely  the  same,  and  the  obligations 
to  fulfil  them  are  equally  binding  ?  If  he  felt  the  need  within, 


24 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  a  more  operative  principle  of  divine  grace,  as  the  only 
genuine  source  of  inward  and  external  holiness  ;  what  must  be 
their  state  who,  with  greater  deficiencies,  experience  no  con- 
flict of  the  mind,  no  secret  misgivings  of  the  conscience?  If,  in 
his  ardent  inquiry  after  truth,  he  meditated  over  the  sacred 
page,  and  explored  the  voluminous  writings  of  the  Reformers  ; 
what  is  their  responsibility  who  rest  in  a  system,  without  an 
endeavor  to  ascertain  its  correctness ;  who  give  to  the  world 
the  hours  sacred  to  prayer  and  study  ;  or  who  appropriate  their 
time  to  objects,  which,  however  praiseworthy  in  themselves, 
are  not  sufficiently  identified  with  their  profession,  nor  calcu- 
lated to  promote  their  advancement  in  grace  and  holiness  ? 

But  we  would  pursue  this  object  farther,  and  demand,  if 
conversion,  or  a  change  of  heart  and  life,  be  necessary  in  all 
.  men,  because  all  naturally  partake  of  the  principles  of  inward 
corruption,  how  much  more  is  it  necessary  to  him  who  offici- 
ates in  holy  things  ;  and  who,  by  the  titles  that  designate  his. 
character  and  office,  is  supposed  to  contract  engagements  of 
the  highest  and  most  sacred  import  ? 

And  yet  the  very  nature  and  necessity  of  conversion  is 
questioned  by  some,  in  opposition  to  the  most  express  decla- 
rations of  Holy  Writ  ;*  thus  proving  their  own  need,  at  least, 
of  that  conversion,  the  possibility  of  which  they  so  heedlessly 
dispute.  A  distinguished  and  excellent  prelate,  in  our  own 
day,f  has  merited  well  of  the  Christian  public,  for  inviting 
attention  to  this  subject.  In  the  diocese  of  St.  David's,  a 
prize  was  offered  for  the  best  Essay  on  the.signs  of  conversion 
and  unconversion  in  ministers  of  the  Established  Church. | 

This  was  at  once  recognizing  the  doctrine,  as  well  as  the 
necessity  of  conversion.  It  drew^  the  line  of  demarcation 
between  true  piety,  and  that  which  bears  only  the  external 
garb.  It  admitted  the  conversion  of  some,  it  doubted  the  con- 
version oi'all ;  and  by  instituting  an  inquiry  into  the  signs  and 
evidences  by  which  the  distinction  is  to  be  known,  it  held  out 
a  beacon  to  discriminate  the  ivue  and  faithful  pastor  from  the 
bold  and  unauthorised  intruder.  Let  it  be  remembered  too, 
that  this  doctrine  is  avowedly  maintained,  and  the  beUef  and 
experience  of  its  truth  no  less  avowedly  professed,  by  every 
candidate,  in  the  form  and  ceremony  prescribed  by  our  own 
church  for  ordination— that  on  this  occasion  he  is  solemnly 
asked,  whether  he  trusts  that  he  is  inwardly  moved  by  the 

^SeeMatt.  xviii.3;  Joliniii.  5;  Acfs  iii.  19  ;  Epli.  iv.  24. 

tThe  present  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  formerly  Bishop  of  St.  David's^ 

tSee  Wilks's  Prize  Essay  on  ihe  above  subject. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


25 


Holy  Ghost,  to  take  upon  himself  the  sacred  office  ?  To  which 
he  deliberately  answers,  "  I  trust  so."  And  that,  if  terms  be 
significant  of  things,  and  professions  mean  what  they  are  sup- 
posed to  imply,  this  call  of  the  Holy  Spirit  denotes  a  series  of 
qualifications,  of  which  the  real  conversion  of  the  heart  is  the 
primary  and  most  indispensable.  It  is  on  the  authority  of  this 
declaration,  and  the  supposed  sincerity  of  its  avowal,  that  he 
is  permitted  to  officiate  at  her  altars,  and  that  the  dispensa- 
tion of  the  Gospel  is  committed  to  his  hands  ;  and  therefore, 
the  absence  of  this  quahfication  is  not  mere!}'  a  fraud,  and  an 
act  of  perjury,  aggravated  by  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion, 
and  by  the  bold  profanation  of  holy  things,  but  a  crime  of  a 
still  higher  magnitude.  Souls  are  betrayed,  for  every  one  of 
which  he  must  render  an  account  to  Him  who  has  authorita- 
tively proclaimed,  "  their  blood  will  I  require  at  thine  hand." 

Another  very  important  lesson  to  be  learnt  from  the  prece- 
ding narrative,  is  the  necessity  of  discriminating  morality  from 
religion.  The  principal  error  in  Mr.  Richmond's  former  views, 
consisted  in  this,  viz.  that  they  were  deficient  in  the  grand 
characteristic  features  of  the  Gospel.  Not  that  he  actually 
denied  a  single  doctrine  v/hich  the  Gospel  inculcates  ;  but  his 
conceptions  were  far  from  being  definite,  clear,  and  compre- 
hensive. They  wanted  the  elevation  *nd  spirituality  of  the 
Christian  System.  ^They  were  founded  more  on  the  standard 
of  morality,  than  on  the  principles  of  the  Gospel  ;  and  there 
fore  were  defective  as  it  respects  the  motive  and  end  of  all 
human  actions,  the  two  essential  properties  that  constitute  an 
action  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  a  holy  God.  A  Heathen 
may  be  Jiioral,  a  Christian  must  be  more  ;  for  though  true 
religion  will  always  comprise  morality,  yet  morality  may  exist 
without  religion.  There  was  a  confusion  also  in  his  notion  of 
faith  and  works,  and  of  the  respective  offices  and  the  design  of 
the- law  and  of  the  Gospel.  The  Saviour  v/as  not  sufficiently 
exalted,  nor  the  sinner  humbled  ;  and  there  was  wanting  the 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  fre.''' — Matt.  iii.  11. 
His  sermons,  partaking  of  the  same  character,  were  dis- 
tinguished  indeed  by  solidity  of  remark,  force  of  expression, 
strong  appeal  to  the  conscience,  and  a  real  and  commendable 
zeal  for  the  interests  of  morality  ;  but  they  went  no  further. 
As  regarded  the  great  end  of  the  Christian  ministry — the 
conversion  of  immortal  souls — they  were  powerless  ;  for  moral 
sermons  can  produce  nothing  but  moral  effects ;  and  it  is  the 
Gospel  alone  that  is  '^mighty  through  God  to  the  pidling 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


down  of  the  strong  holds  of  sin  ;  and  bringing  into  captivity 
every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.^^ — 2  Cor.  x.  4,  5. 

There  was,  indeed,  an  external  reformation  produced  among 
his  people  ;  but  the  renovation  of  the  heart,  the  communion  of 
the  soul  with  God,  the  inward  joy  and  peace  of  the  Gospel, 
and  the  hope  full  of  life  and  of  immortality — these  were  not 
experienced  and  felt,  because  they  were  not  known  :  and  they 
were  not  known,  because  they  were  not  preached  :  and  they 
were  not  preached,  because  they  were  not  adequately  under- 
stood by  the  preacher.  And  is  there  no  ground  for  apprehen- 
sion that  the  same  deficiency  still  exists  amongst  us  to  a  con- 
siderable extent  ?  Are  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity 
commonly  brought  forward  with  sufficient  clearness,  fidelity, 
and  zeal  ?  Are  the  corruption  and  the  lost  state  of  man,  the  mer- 
cy of  God  in  Christ,  the  necessity  of  a  living  faith  in  the  Sav-  • 
iour,  the  office  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  his  enlightening,  convert- 
ing,  and  sanctifying  influences* — are  these  grand  themes  of 
the  Christian  ministry  urged  with  the  prominence  that  their 
incalculable  importance  demand  ?  Deficiencies  in  points  like 
these  are  serious  impediments  to  the  growt  h  of  true  religion,  and 
cannot  be  too  sedulously  reproved  by  those  who  are  the  consti- 
tuted  guardians  of  sound  doctrine.  For  with  the  mere  morahst, 
the  grandeur  of  the  Christian  dispensation — the  divine  love  so 
conspicuous  in  the  whole  of  its  stupendous  plan — the  beauty, 
order,  and  symmetry  of  its  several  parts  are  all  reduced  to 
the  rank  and  level  of  a  secondary  and  subordinate  scheme. 
Christ  is  not  the  centre  of  the  system,  but  rather  occupies  the 
extreme  point ;  and  is  brought  in  as  a  last  expedient  to  cover 
the  nakedness  and  insufficiency  of  our  own  works.  The  mor- 
alist, according  to  his  own  creed,  do&s  all  that  he  can  and 
then — looks  to  his  Redeemer  to  perform  the  rest.  On  the 
other  hand,  where  the  moralist  ends,  the  believer  begins. 
With  him,  every  work  is  begun,  continued,  and  ended  in  God. 
He  draws  from  above  every  motive  for  his  obedience,  every 
promise  for.  his  encouragement,  and  strength  to  subdue  all  his 
corruptions.  Christ  is  the  sun  that  illuminates  his  moral  hori- 
zon, the  living  water  to  refresh  his  thirst,  the  heavenly  manna 
by  which  he  is  fed,  the  first  and  the  last,  the  beginning  and 
the  end,  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  "  all  and  in  all." — Col. 
iii.  11.  He  is  the  Prophet,  by  whose  wisdom  he  is  taught ; 
the  Priest  by  whose  sacrifice  he  is  pardoned  ;  the  King,  by 
whose  authority  he  is  swayed  ;  and  the  Shepherd,  on  whose 

'  *  See  Dr.  Owen's  celebrated  Work  "  On  the  Holy  Spifit,"  and  Doddridge^s 
**  Seven  Sermons  on  Regeneration,"  for  an  ahlft  elucidation  of  this  subject. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


27 


tender  care  he  reposes  all  his  wants.  What  then  is  the 
remedy  Tor  the  defects  to  which  we  have  alluded,  and  for  the 
fatal  consequences  resulting  from  them  ? — The  knowledge  of 
the  Gospel  ;  and  the  full,  free,  and  faithful  declaration  of  its 
truths.  There  must  be  its  tidings  on  the  lips,  its  grace  in  the 
heart,  and  its  holiness  in  the  life  of  the  preacher.  Such  was 
the  case  in  the  instance  of  Mr.  Richmond,  after  the  change 
above  recorded  ;  and  crowded  auditories,  an  inquiring  people, 
and  numerous  conversions  were  the  happy  result.  And  such 
will  ever  be  the  case  where  the  Gospel  is  faithfully  preached. 
The  same  causes  will  always  produce  the  same  effects.  The 
blind  will  receive  their  sight,  and  the  lame  walk,  and  the  deaf 
hear,  and  the  spiritually  dead  be  raised  to  ilfe  eternal. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Developement  of  his  character— Dedication  of  his  time  and  thoughts  to  profitaLle 
objects— Fondness  of  the  scenes  of  nature— Spiritual  reflections  upon  them— Zeal 
in  his  ministerial  duties— Letters  and  Diary- Remarks. 

In  the  preceding  chapter,  we  have  recorded  the  remarkable 
change  of  which  Mr.  Richmond  was  the  subject,  and  explained 
its  nature  and  character.  We  shall  now  proceed  to  illustrate 
it  by  its  effects,  which  form  the  best  evidence  of  its  existence, 
and  one  of  the  strongest  arguments  for  its  necessity.  With 
this  view,  we  shall  consider  its  operation  and  influence  on  the 
qualities  of  his  mind  and  heart — on  his  ministerial  habits — his 
epistolary  correspondence — and  in  the  more  solemn  and  im- 
pressive exposure  of  the  inward  recesses  of  his  soul. 

In  our  intercourse  with  men,  we  meet  with  an  almost  end- 
less diversity  of  character  ;  and  he  who  studies  human  nature 
is  apt  to  classify  those  who  are  the  subjects  of  his  contempla- 
tion, according  to  their  respective  shades  and  gradations. 
But  how  painful  is  the  discovery,  when  we  see  persons  en- 
dowed with  finer  qualifications  of  the  mind,  and  the  most 
interesting  sensibilities  of  the  heart,  wasting  on  unprofitable 
objects  the  powers  which,  if  rightly  directed,  might  render  their 
possesor  the  instrument  of  extensive  usefulne'ss  and  good. 
We  seem  to  behold  a  beautiful  and  imposing  structure,  but  it 
is  not  occupied  by  the  rightful  owner.  The  lord  of  the  man- 
sion is  absent,  and  a  stranger  has  usurped  his  place.  We 
turn  with  disappointment  from  the  contemplation  ;  nor  can 
we  withhold  the  prayer  that  ere  long  the  fatal  illusion  may 
cease,  and  the  chain  of  the  captive  be  broken. 


28 


ME3I0IKS  OF  THE 


In  Mr.  Richmond,  every  qualification  became  consecrated 
to  religion.  His  imagination,  taste,  affections,  and  endow, 
ments  received  an  impulse  which  directed  all  their  energies  to 
the  glory  of  God,  and  to  useful  and  profitable  purposes. 

To  illustrate  what  we  have  said,  we  subjoin  the  following 
passage  from  one  of  his  popular  tracts,  which,  while  it  shews 
his  powers  for  descriptive  scenery,  proves  at  the  same  time 
how  much  his  admiration  of  the  scenes  of  nature  was  made 
the  occasion  of  elevating  the  heart  to  God. 

"  It  was  not  unfrequently  my  custom,  when  my  mind  w^as 
filled  with  any  interesting  subject  for  meditation,  to  seek  some 
spot  where  the  beauties  of  natural  prospect  might  help  to  form 
pleasing  and  useful  associations. 

"  South-eastward,  I  saw  the  open  ocean,  bounded  only  by 
the  horison.  The  sun  shone,  and  gilded  the  waves  with  a 
glittering  light,  that  sparkled  in  the  most  brilliant  manner. 

On  the  north,  the  sea  appeared  like  a  noble  river, 
varying  from  three  to  seven  miles  in  breadth,  between  the 
banks  of  the  opposite  coast,  and  those  of  the  island  which  I 
inhabited.*  Immediately  underneath  me,  was  a  fine  woody 
district  of  country,  diversified  by  many  pleasing  objects.  Dis- 
tant  towns  were  visible  on  the  opposite  shore.  Numbers  of 
ships  occupied  the  sheltered  station  which  this  northern  chan- 
nel  afforded  them.  The  eye  roamed  with  delight  over  an 
expanse  of  near  and  remote  beauties,  which  alternately  caught 
the  observation,  and  which  harmonised  together,  and  produced 
a  scene  of  peculiar  interest." 

The  reflections  awakened  by  these  scenes  are  thus  express- 
ed:— 

"  How  much  of  the  natural  beauties  of  Paradise  still  remain 
in  the  world,  although  its  spiritual  character  has  been  so 
awfully  defaced  by  sin  ?  But  when  divine  grace  renews  the 
heart  of  the  fallen  sinner.  Paradise  is  regained,  and  much  of 
its  beauty  is  restored  to  the  soul.  As  this  prospect  is  com- 
pounded of  hill  and  dale,  land  and  sea,  woods  and  plains,  all 
sweetly  blended  together,  and  relieving  each  other  in  the 
landscape  :  so  do  the  gracious  dispositions,  wrought  in  the 
soul,  produce'a  beauty  and  harmony  of  scene,  to  which  it  was 
before  a  stranger." 

We  insert  one  more  brief  reflection, 

"  What  do  ^they  not  lose,  who  are  strangers  to  serious 
meditation  on  the  wonders  and  beauties  of  created  nature  ! 
How  gloriously  the  God  of  creation  shines  in  his  works  !  Not 

The  Isle  of  Wight. 


REV.  LEGH  HICmiOND. 


29 


a  tree,  nor  leaf,  nor  flower ;  not  a  bird,  nor  insect,  but  pro- 
claims in  glowing  language,  '*  God  made  me.'  " 

In  his  parochial  engagements,  we  find  him  fulfilling  all  the 
duties  of  an  active  and  zealous  parish  priest.  The  important 
and  essential  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  v.  ere  now  made  the 
powerful  and  affecting  themes  of  public  addresses.  As  we 
shall  haVe  occasion  hereafter  to  enter  into  a  more  minute 
detail  of  the  subject  and  manner  of  his  preaching,  it  is  suffi- 
cient in  this  place  to  observe,  that  man's  fallen  and  ruined 
state,  and  his  deliverance  and  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ, 
formed  the  grand  outline  6f  his  discourses  ;  and  if  the  degree 
in  which  the  truth  is  preached  be  best  estimated  by  its  effects, 
he  could  appeal  to  unquestionable  evidence  of  his  faithfulness  ; 
for  God  blessed  his  testmiony,  and  numerous' converts  were 
the  seals  of  his  ministry.  In  addition  to  the  usual  and  ap- 
pointed duties  of  the  Sabbath,  he  visited  his  flock,  and  went 
from  house  to  house,  taking  care  not  to  make  these  opportu- 
nities the  mere  occasion  of  friendly  and  condescending  inter- 
course, but  the  means  of  real  improvement,  and  spiritual 
edification.  The  children  of  Brading  were  also  the  objects  of 
his  tender  solicitude.  They  were  in  the  habit  of  repairing  to 
him  every  Saturday  for  the  purpose  of  religious  instruction  ; 
and  his  memoir  of  "  Little  Jane"  records  one  of  the  happy 
results  of  these  youthful  meetings. 

Within  the  parish  of  Brading  was  situated  the  hamlet  of 
Bembridge,  at  the  distance  of  about  two  miles.  To  this 
place  Mr.  Richmond  went  once  in  every  week  to  expound 
the  Scriptures,  and  to  meet  those  who,  through  age  and  in- 
firmity or  other  causes,  were  unable  to  attend  the  parish 
church.  A  chapel  of  ease  has  since  been  erected,  and  con- 
secrated in  the  sumimer  of  lwS27.  He  had  likewise  the  care  of 
the  parish  of  Yaverland  ;  and  as  the  scenes  of  his  early  piety 
and  zeal  cannot  but  be  interesting  to  his  numerous  friends, 
and  the  following  description  presents  them  vividly  to  the 
imagination,  we  insert  it  in  his  own  words  :- — 

"  I  had  the  spiritual  charge  of  another  parish,  adjoining  to 
that  in  which  I  resided.  It  was  a  small  district,  and  had  but 
few  inhabitants.  The  church  was  pleasantly  situated  on  a 
rising  bank,  at  the  foot  of  a  considerable  hill.  It  was  sur- 
rounded  by  trees,  and  had  a  rural,  retired  appearance.  Close 
to  the  church-yard  stood  a  large  old  mansion,  which  had  for- 
merly been  the  residence  of  an  opulent  and  titled  family  ; 
but  it  had  long  since  been  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the 
estate,  as  a  farm  house.    Its  outward  aspect  bore  considera- 


30 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


ble  remains  of  ancient  grandeur,  and  gave  a  pleasing  charac 
ter  to  the  spot  of  ground  on  which  the  church  stood.  In  every 
direction  the  roads  that  led  to  this  house  of  God  possessed 
distinct  but  interesting  features.  One  of  them  ascended  be- 
tween  several  rural  cottages  from  the  sea  shore,  which  ad- 
joined the  lower  part  of  the  village  street.  Another,  winded 
round  the  curved  sides  of  an  adjacent  hill,  and  was  adorned, 
both  above  and  below,  with  numerous  sheep,  feeding  on  the 
herbage  of  the  down.  A  third  road  led  to  the  church  by  a 
gently  rising  approach,  between  high  banks,  covered,  with 
young  trees,  bushes,  ivy,  hedge-plants,  and  wild  flowers. 

"  From  a  point  of  land  which  commanded  a  view  of  all 
these  several  avenues,  I  used  sometimes  for  a  while  to  watch 
my  congregation  gradually  assembling  together  at  the  hour 
of  Sabbath  worship.  They  were  in  some  directions  visible 
for  a  considerable  distance.  Gratifying  associations  of 
thought  would,  form  in  my  mind,  as  I  contemplated  their  ap- 
proach  and  successive  arrival  within  the  precincts  of  the  house 
of  prayer." 

His  reflections  on  these  occasions  are  thus  interestingly 
expressed  : — 

"  How  many  immortal  souls  are  now  gathering  together  to 
perform  the  all-important  work  of  prayer  and  praise — to  hear 
the  word  of  God — to  feed  upon  the  bread  of  life!  They  are 
leaving  their  respective  dwellings,  and  will  soon  be  united  to- 
gether in  the  house  of  prayer.  How  beautifully  does  this 
represent  the  effect  produced  by  the  voice  of  *  the  good  Shep- 
herd' calling  his  sheep  from  every  part  of  the-vvilderness  into 
his  fold !  As  these  fields,  hills,  and  lanes  ^are  now  covered 
with  men,  women,  and  children,  in  various  directions,  draw- 
ing nearer  to  each  other,  and  to  the  object  of  their  journey's 
end  ;  even  so  '  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and  from  the 
west,  and  from  the  north  and  from  the  south,  and  shall  sit 
down  in  the  kingdom  of  God.'  " 

In  the  year  1801,  he  formed  a  society  at  Brading,  which 
proved  an  occasion  of  much  benefit ;  the  rules  and  regula- 
tions  being  peculiarly  calculated  to  promote  order,  sobriety 
and  religion.  This  society  met  every  Wednesday  evening, 
and  he  himself  assumed  the  office  of  director.*  The  members 

*The  following  regulation  will  aflford  a  general  idea  of  the  character  and 
object  of  this  society. 

"  The  Society  avIII  meet  every  Wednesday  evening,  when  the  director  will 
attend  for  the  purpose  of  explaining  the  holy  Scriptures,  the  Liturgy  of  tlie 
Church  of  England,  and  other  such  godly  books  as  he  may  think  useful  and 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


31 


of  whom  It  was  composed  were  such  as  had  derived  advantage 
from  his  ministry,  and  were  sincerely  desirous  of  advancing 
in  knowledge  and  true  holiness.  A  copy  of  the  first  address 
delivered  to  them,  has  been  found  among  his  papers,  from 
which  we  extract  the  concluding  passage  : — 

"  In  a  word,  my  dear  friends,  I  consider  you  all  as  deeply 
sensible  that  the  Care  of  the  soul  is  the  one  thing  needful, 
'which  if  you  neglect  you  will  perish  ;  but  which,  if  you  re- 
gard with  an  humble,  devout,  and  sincere  heart,  God  will 
receive  and  acknowledge  you  among  the  number  of  his  chil- 
dren.  I  hope  more  will  join  themselves  to  our  society,  who 
are  in  this  mind  and  persuasion.  It  shall  be  my  care  to  do 
all  in  my  power  to  cherish  and  support  you  in  all  virtue  and 
godliness  of  living  ;  to  comfort  you  in  affliction,  to  clear  up 
your  doubts,  to  reprove  your  faults,  encourage  your  good  res- 
olutions, and  to  be,  by  God's  help,  a  spiritual  pastor  among 
you,  to  lead  you  through  the  pilgrimage  of  this  life,  to  the  en- 
joyment of  the  glories  of  Paradise. 

"  All  that  I  now  ask,  and  beseech  of  you  is,  that  you  will 
be  in  earnest  in  your  present  professions,  and  strive  with 
heart  and  soul  to  persevere  in  that  good  road,  wherein  I  trust 
you  now  are  going.  And  remember  how  sad  will  be  the  lot 
of  those  who,  having  put  their  hand  to  the  plough,  look  back 
again,  and  are  no  longer  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Be 
strong  then  in  the  Lord,  and  may  his  grace  preserve  you  in 
vour  DPood  resolutions,  and  brinsf  vou  to  the  full  knowledge  of 
the  excellency  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  give  you  the  greatest  of 
all  blessings,  forgiveness  of  sins  in  this  world,  and  life  ever- 
lasting  in  the  w^orld  to  come.  Ever  be  it,  blessed  Lord,  now 
and  evermore." 

To  the  soldiers  that  were  occasionally  quartered  in  that 
part  of  the  country,  he  was  made  highly  useful  by  his  preach- 
ing. The  history  of  one  of  these  men  is  remarkable.  It  is 
related  at  length  in  the  "  Christian  Observer,"  for  the  year 
1802,  (p.  772.)  Being  too  long  for  insertion  here,  we  give 
the  substance  of  it  as  follows  : 

"  A  young  soldier  introduced  himself  to  Mr.  Richmond,  in 
company  with  one  of  his  comrades,  begging  to  know  if  he 

profitable  for  the  instruction  and  edification  of  the  members ;  giving  them  sucli 
friendly  and  Christian  exhortation  and  counsel  as  each  or  all  of  thera  may 
require  ;  answering  any  questions  which  they  may  wish  to  propose,  respect- 
ing tiie  meaning  and  design  of  the  word  of  God,  ond  tlieir  own  conduct  and 
religious  progress  in  general  ;  and  joining  in  prayer  with  them  to  Almighty 
God  for  a  blessing  upon  themselves,  their  families,  their  neighbours,  their 
country,  and  the  whole  Church  of  God,  wherever  dispersed  in  tlie  world." 


32 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


would  kindly  purchase  from  him  a  few  clergyman's  bands, 
and  some  manuscript  sermons.  Being  asked  by  what  means 
they  came  into  his  possession,  he  stated,  with  much  embar- 
rassment, that  his  history  was  wholly  unknown  to  his  compan- 
ion in  arms,  but  that  being  thus  urged,  he  would  recount 
the  painful  circumstances  of  his  past  life.  He  proceeded  to 
declare  that  he  was  the  son  of  a  clergyman  in  Wales — 
that  he  had  been  regularly  ordained,  and  officiated  during 

three  years  on  a  curacy  in  the  county  of  W  —  ;  that 

disorderly  habits,  and  debts,  incurred  without  the  possibility 
of  discharging  them,  had  brought  him  at  length  to  ruin  and 
disgrace  :  and  that,  to  avoid  imprisonment,  he  had  been  in- 
duced to  enlist  as  a  common  soldier — that  he  had  served  in 
the  last  campaign  in  Holland,  and  was  then  about  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  army  on  the  expedition  to  Alexandria,  under 
Sir  James  Abercrombie.  He  added,  that  it  was  to  furnish 
himself  with  a  few  necessaries,  that  he  was  led  to  offer  th^ 
articles  in  question  for  sale.  Mr.  Richmond  having  ascer- 
tained as  far  as  possible,  the  correctness  of  his  story,  pur- 
chased them  ;  and  afterwards  held  a  very  lonor  conversation 
with  him,  on  the  awful  consequences  of  his  past  life,  and  his 
unfaithfulness  to  the  solemn  and  sacred  engagement  he  had 
formerly  contracted.  The  soldier  seemed  to  be  more  abash- 
ed  by  the  disclosure  of  his  history,  than  impressed  with  the 
consciousness  of  his  guilt,  and  the  admonitions  that  he  re- 
ceived. In  June,  1802,  the  comrade  who  had  originally 
acGompaned  him,  once  more  called  on  Mr.  Richmond,  and 
stated  that  he  was  just  returned  from  Egypt,  and  that  the 
young  man,  in  whose  welfare  he  had  taken  so  lively  an  inter- 
est,  had  fallen  in  battle,  and  died  a  true  penitent — that  on 
the  evening  preceding  the  engagement  of  the  21st  March, 
he  had  been  seized  with  the  presentiment  that  he  should  not 
survive  the  event  of  the  following  day  :  and  had  commisioned 
him,  (the  bearer,)  should  he  be  spared  to  return,  to  inform 
Mr.  Richmond,  that  the  counsel  he  had  so  faithfully  given 
to  him,  though  it  had  failed  at  the  time  to  impress  him  as  it 
ought  to  have  done,  had  ultimately  sunk  deep  into  his  con- 
science, and  produced  all  the  effects  that  he  could  have  wish- 
ed ;  '  tell  our  dear  pastor,'  continued  he,  '  that  I  owe  him  more 
than  worlds  can  repay  ;  he  first  opened  my  heart  to  convic- 
tion,  and  God  has  blessed  it  to  repentance.  Through  the 
unspeakable  mercies  of  Christ,  I  can  die  with  comfort.'  The 
event  that  he  had  prognosticated  was  fulfilled  j  and  it  was 


REV.   LEGII  RICimOND. 


33 


discovered  that  podr  Mr.  E  lost  his  life  by  a  cannon 

ball  at  early  period  in  the  action.'' 

It  is  in  the  Isle  of  Wight  that  the  scene  is  laid  of  those 
popular  tracts,  composed  by  Mr.  Richmond,  the  reputation  of 
Avhieh  is  now  so  vridely  diffused  in  all  parts  of  the  world. 
His  Dairyman's  Daughter"  resided  at  Arreton,  a  village 
six  miles  distant  from  Brading,  where  he  was  in  the  habit 
of  occasionally  visiting  her,  by  particular  request,  during 
her  last  illness.  Her  name  was  Walbridge  ;  and  who  that 
has  read  her  history,  can  repress  the  emotions  that  such 
unaffected  piety  and  sanctified  affliction  are  calculated  to 
awaken? 

His  "  Negro  Servant"  lived  in  the  family  of  an  officer  in 
the  neighbourhood.  His  "  Young  Cottager"  was  one  of  his 
Sunday-school  children,  at  Brading,  and  the  first  fruits  of  his 
ministry  m  that  parish.  As  we  shall  have  occasion  to  allude 
to  these  publications  in  another  part  of  t^ie  memoir,  we  shall 
restrict  ourselves  to  this  brief  allusion  to  incidents  in  the  re- 
lation of  which  the  author  has  excited  so  much  interest ;  and 
in  which  the  charms  of  style  and  beautiful  representations  of 
nature  are  blended  with  the  faithful  narrative  of  facts,  and 
the  whole  made  subservient  to  the  advancement  of  the  cause 
of  scriptural  truth. 

Having  descjl^'ibed  him  as  thus  engaged  in  his  ministerial  du- 
ties,  we  shall  here  introduce  a  letter  addressed  to  his  friend, 

the  Rev.  Mr.  T  ,  expressive  of  his  views  and  sentiments, 

within  the  period  just  mentioned. 

"  My  reading  in  divinity  has  been  considerable  since  we 
last  parted.  The  more  I  attend  to  the  sacred  writings,  and 
to  the  sentiments  of  the  most  pious  and  unprejudiced  authors, 
the  more  deeply  sensible  do  I  feel  f  f  the  unspeakable  impor- 
tance of  religious  attainments,  both  in  knowledge,  faith,  and 
practice.  I  am,  at  the  same  time,  unavoidably  led  to  see 
how  very,  very  deficiently  the  Christian  scheme  is  apprehend- 
ed by  the  great  body  of  the  laity,  and  preached  in  many  of 
our  pulpits.  The  force  of  that  admirable  charge  of  Bishop 
Horsley,  1791,  is  strongly  impressed  upon  my  mind,  and 
fully  confirms  these  sentiments,*  which  a  diligent  perusal  of 
the  Bible  of  the  primitive  Fathers,  and  of  the  Reformers  had 
previously  excited. 

*  Bishop  Horsley  liad  asserted,  iu  the  above  charsre,  that  tliere  was  a 
grievous  departure,  at  tliat  period,  from  thef  sound  doctrines  of  the  Reforma- 
tion. See  also  a  similar  charge,  published  about  the  same  time,  bv  the  Bishop 
of  Durham. 

4 


34 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


"  It  is  curious  to  see  with  what  undisguised  simplicity  and 
plainness,  niany  of  the  doctrines  which  are  now  reprobated  as 
enthusiastical,  metkodistical,  and  puritanical,  are,  in  one  and 
all  of  these  old  writers,  asserted  and  maintained.  The  plain, 
literal  sense  of  our  Church  Articles,  are  by  them  made  the 
foundation  of  every  discourse,  and  of  every  scriptural  expo- 
sition  ;  and  lyractical  faiih  in  the  Holy  Trinity  is  the  first, 
the  middle,  and  the  last  end,  object,  and  aim  of  all  they  said,' 
all  they  wrote,  and  all  they  thought.  It  may  be  answered, 
that  modern  divines  admit  the  truth  of  these  things  also  ;  but 
if  they  do,  they  explain  the  doctrines  almost  entirely  away, 
and  what  is  principally  to  be  lamented,  they  do  not  make 
them  the  ground  of  their  sermons.  It  is  nevertheless,  a  very 
gratifying  circumstance  that  so  many  clergyman  and  laymen 
have  of  late  adopted  an  opposite  way  of  preaching  and  think- 
ing.   As  my  valuable  friend  and  correspondent  Mr.   

says  in  a  late  letter  to  me — '  however  thinly,  comparatively 
speaking,  they  are  sprinkled  over  the  bosom  of  the  Church, 
yet  I  trust  that  the  maintainers  of  the  good  old  principles  of 
the  Reformation  are  daily  gaining  ground  ;  and  that  at  this 
time  sound  doctrine  is  oftener  preached  in  many  of  our  parish 
Churches,  than  has  been  the  case  since  the  days  of  archbishop 
Laud.' " 

In  the  year  1801,  Mr.  Richmond  was  invited  to  preach 
the  annual  Sermon  in  the  Abbey  Church  at  Bath,  on  the 
subject  of  cruelty  to  the  brute  creation,  in  conformity  with  the 
will  of  the  Rev.  Henry  Brindley.  It  is  to  this  circumstance 
that  the  following  letter  alludes. 

Brading,  March  26,  1801. 

"  My  dearest  Mother,-:-It  gives  me  real  and  unspeaka- 
ble gratification  that  anf  thing  you  observe  in  me  should 
give  you  the  pleasure  you  describe  ;  yet  1  fear  you  overrate 
me.  Daily  do  I  become  more  and  more  sensible  of  my  own 
deficiencies  ;  and  when  I  hear  myself  praised,  my  failings  and 
corruptions  seem  to  be  magnified  in  the  mirror  of  conscience 
and  conviction.  I  do  feel  an  earnest  and  solemn  wish  to  be 
a  real  Christian  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ;  but  it  is 
indeed  a  character  too  exalted  for  my  expectations  of  attain-  • 
ing,  and  unutterable  is  the  responsibility  attached  to  it.  To 
be  a  Christian  at  all,  in  the  scriptural  sense,  is  a  business 
of  unwearied  attention,  watchfulness  and  labor ;  but  to  be  a 
teacher,  an  example,  a  shepherd  to  the  flock,  requires  tenfold 
circumspection.    May  God  make  me  what  he  wishes,  in 


REV.   LEGH  RICH>IOND. 


order  to  form  that  character  ;  and  may  no  self-sufficiency, 
carelessness,  or  presumption,  ever  lead  me  to  false  security^ 
neglect  of  duty,  or  inactivity  ; — to  all  of  which  we  are  so  prone 
by  nature.  In  exact  proportion  as  we  struggle  to  rise  above 
our  natural  propensities,  General  Satan  (as  good  Dr.  Har- 
rington  ealls  him.)  endeavors  not  only  to  stop  our  progress,  but 
to  turn  our  very  improvement  into  danger  and  a  snare,  by  ex- 
citing pride  and  self-satisfaction  at  what  we  have  been  enabled 
to  do.  I  have  no  objection  to  hearing  that  my  preaching  ex- 
cited attention  at  Bath  (though  I  ought  to  avoid  every  thing 
likely  to  awaken  vanity,)  because  I  am  convinced  that  it  is 
not  so  much  for  any  thing  in  me,  individually  speaking,  as 
in  the  scriptural  truths  which,  by  God's  grace,  I  invariably 
endeavor  to  advance  and  expound,  that  approbation  was  mani- 
fested. I  claim  no  praise,  but  that  of  being  in  earnest ;  and 
when  I  open  the  counsel  of  God  to  a  congregation,  I  hope  I 
feel  anxious  for  the  welfare  of  my  hearers,  and  really  desi- 
rous  that  they  should,  for  their  own  sakes,  '  mark,  learn,  hear, 
and  inwardly  digest,  the  Holy  Scriptures,'  when  explained 
according  to  principles  of  sound  orthodoxy,  and  evangelical 
truth.  And,  thus  considering  sound  truth  as  the  m liter,  and 
pastoral  anxiety  as  the  manner  of  my  preaching,  I  hope  to 
steer  clear  of  any  personal  vanity,  or  silly  presumption,  in  the 
arts  of  human  eloquQpce,  ehher  written  or  oratorical.  I 
have  no  wish  to  be  a  popular  preacher  in  any  sense  but  one, 
viz.,  as  a  preacher  to  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

"  What  you  tell  me  respecting  my  father's  inability  to  do 
more  for  me  than  he  does,  I  firmly  believe  ;  and  can  consci- 
entiously  assure  you,  that  I  am  too  grateful  for  what  is 
done,  to  complain  that  more  is  not  done.  I  cannot  suffi- 
ciently express  my  sensations  of  thankfulness  for  the  uninter- 
rupted kindness  which  I  have  ever  received  from  you  both. 
I  wish  your  latter  years  may  receive  every  consolation  from 
my  conduct,  which  duty  and  affection  can  afford  you.  God 
forbid  I  should  ever  strike  out. of  my  system  of  divinity  that 
nearly  central  part  of  the  decalogue,  '  honor  thy  father  and 
mother.'  I  look  forward  with  great  pleasure  to  your  prom- 
ised visit,  which  I  must,  and  hereby  do,  bespeak  to  be  a  long 
one.  1  will  do  every  thing  to  make  you  comfortable  ;  and 
have  a  snug  room  and  bed  quite  ready  for  you,  and  a  son's 
welcome." 

"  To  Mrs.  Richmond,  Bennet  Street,  Bath.'' 


36 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


His  sermon  on  the  above  occasion  was  published  at  the 
request  of  the  congregation,  which  circumstance  will  explain 
the  letter  that  follows. 

Brading,  March  22,  1802. 

My  clearest  Mother, — The  vanity  of  authorship  is  prover- 
bial,  and  yet  I  would  fain  hope  that  if*  I  am  vain,  it  is  not  a 
vanity  of  vanities,  but  a  reasonable  rejoicing  on  Christian 
grounds.  As  I  think  you  will  feel  an  interest  in  the  subject, 
I  will  detail  a'correspondence,  which  has  taken  place  between 
your  son  and  Sir  Richard  Hill  since  the  publication  of  the 
sermon  on  cruelty  to  animals." 

Copy  of  a  letter  to  Sir  Richard  Hill,  Bafrt : — 

Brading,J\larch  13,  1802. 

"  Sir, — Although  an  entire  stranger  to  your  person,  vet  I 
am  not  to  your  character.  I  therefore  take  the  liberty,  with- 
out further  apology,  of  enclosing  you  a  tract,  which  I  have 
lately  been  requested  to  publish,  on  a  subject  which,  from  the 
laudable  part  yoU  took  in  the  debate  on  the  Bull-baiting  Bill, 
three  winters  ago,  I  believe  you  to  have  sincerely  at  heart. 
Your  known  benevolence  of  disposition,  regard  for  the  in. 
struction  of  the  poor,  and  earnest  zeal  in  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion, preclude  my  apologizing  for  sending  you  a  copy  on  so 
coarse  a  paper,  not  having  one  of  the  finer  ones  in  the  house. 

"  Believe  me  with  great  respect  and  esteem. 

Your  very  obedient  servant,    L.  Richmond." 

Sir  Richard  Hill,  in  reply,  to  the  Rev.  L.  Richmond  : — 

March  18,  1S22. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
"  It  would  not  be  easy  for  me  to  express  the  pleasure  I 
have  received  from  the  perusal  of  your  most  excellent  discourse 
on  Gen.  i.  26.  The  evangelical,  as  well  as  judicious  and 
striking  manner  in  which  you  have  handled  the  subject,  must 
forcibly  recommend  it  to  every  friend  of  true  religion  and  good 
prder ;  and  the  practical  part,  being  all  along  enforced  on 
Gospel  principles,  will,  I  doubt  not,  make  its  way  and  pre- 
vail, where  the  most  earnest  exhortations,  from  lower  motives, 
would  be  ineffectual.  I  shall  very  soon  furnish  myself  with 
a  number  of  copies,  printed  on  each  sort  of  paper.  For  the 
coarseness  of  yours,  no  apology  was  needful ;  a  large  sum  of 


RRV.  tUGH  RICIIMO^JD. 


3? 


money  is  not  less  acceptable  or  useful,  whether  conveyed  in 
a  silken  or  worsted  purse.  I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  the 
bill  to  prevent  the  savage  practice  of  bull -baiting  will  be 
brought  forward  again  in  the  course  of  a  few  days,  and  I 
hope  there  is  no  doubt  of  its  success ; — the  last  bill  was  lost, 
merely  by  its  friends  fancying  themselves  so  secure,  that  they 
did  not  attend  to  its  progress  through  the  House.  I  will  en- 
close in  two  covers  my  published  letter  to  Mr.  Windham, 
on  his  opposition  to  the  bill  to  prevent  bull-baiting,  as  it  is 
probable  you  may  not  have  seen  it ;  and  subscribe  myself  with 
great  truth,  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  most  faithful  servant,  Richard  Hill." 

We  insert  a  short  extract  of  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  T.    It  is  dated  Bath,  March,  1801. 

I  wish  I  could  give  you  any  adequate  idea  of  the  exalted 
pleasure  I  have  found  from  being  introduced  into  a  circle  of 
religious,  accomplished,  and  rational  people  here,  with  Mrs. 
H.  M.  at  their  head.  I  think  I  have  received  more  solid 
practical  knowledge  and  advantage  from  the  conversations  I 
have  almost  daily  had  with  different  individuals  of  this  respect- 
able party,  than  from  any  intercourse  I  ever  enjoyed  in  my  life. 
I  have  had  the  satisfaction  of  drawing  very  extensive  atten- 
tion in  the  pulpit  to  what  I  trust  a^e  statements  of  sound 
doctrine.  The  acceptance  they  have  met  with,  also  proves 
what  may  be  done  where  the  pure  truth  is  preached  without 
disguise,  without  quaintness,  without  affectation,  and  with- 
out fear." 

The  following  letter  was  written  about  the  same  time,  to 
his  sister,  on  her  marriage  : — 

"  Forgive  me,  my  beloved  sister,  if  I  express  myself  with 
more  than  customary  anxiety,  in  now  writing  to  you  ;  related 
as  I  am  by  the  nearest  ties  of  kindred,  and  by  the  still 
closer  bonds  of  love  and  tender  friendship.  I  feel  a  lively  in- 
terest  in  all  which  concerns  you  ;  and  should  be  more  than 
commonly  happy,  if  a  brother's  prayer,  and  a  brother's  ad- 
monition, should  prove  in  any  way  conducive  to  the  welfare 
and  advancement  of  a  much-loved  sister. 

"  I  am  desirous  of  seeing  and  knowing  that  will  shine 
in  the  united  characters  of  wife,  mother,  mistress,  friend  and 
Christian.    I  feel  truly  and  unequivocally  anxious  that  you 


38 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


should  not,  even  in  appearance',  sink  into  the  mere  accomplish- 
ed and  elegant  woman.  I  wish  you  to  set  a  right  estimate 
upon  that  far  more  accomplished,  and  infinitely  more  useful 
character,  which  exists  chiefly  within  the  walls  of  your  own 
house.  Every  thing  depends  on  your  first  outset.  By  the 
model  which  your  frame  for  your  conduct'^^is  very  year,  will 
probably  be  regulated  all  your  subsequent  character  and  con- 
duct, in  every  future  station  and  relation  of  life. 

*'  You  well  know  the  afi?ection,  and  I  trust  will  not  despise 
the  judgment  and  sentiments  of  him  who  speaks  thus  candidly 
and  frankly  to  you.  I  am  well  persuaded  that  a  young  wo- 
man, to  be  truly  respectable,  must  dare  to  be  laudably  singular. 
There  always  will  be  a  certain  description  of  persons  in  every 
place,  who  will  wonder  that  you  can  exist  without  passing  your 
time  as  they  do  ;  but  amongst  those  whose  esteem  and  opinion 
alone  ought  to  regulate  your  own  feelings  and  conduct,  the 
more  retired  and  seldom-to-be-seen  wife,  whose  theatre  of  real 
action  and  real  pleasure  is  within  her  own  house,  in  the  fulfil- 
ment of  sober,  useful,  and  exemplary  duties,  will  ever  be  most 
beloved,  most  respected,  and  most  befriended. 

By  way  of  immediate  occupation  of  your  time  and  thoughts, 
allow  me  to  direct  them  to  the  relief  and  benefit  of  the  poor  ; 
not  by  idle  gratuities,  but  by  diligently  seeking  them  out,  in- 
forming  yourself  of  their  wants  and  distresses,  and  economiz- 
ing  in  superfluities,  in  order  that  thereby  the  poor  may  abound 
in  needfuls,  and  you  may  abound  in  their  blessings.  Be  sys- 
tematically charitable,  both  to  their  souls  and  bodies.  Promote 
plans  for  instruction  ;  assist  in  superintending  them  ;  employ 
yourself  in  making  clothes  for  them ;  and  rest  not  till  you  have 
made  it  a  settled  and  uniform  part  of  your  character,  to  be 
actively,  constantly,  and  watchfully  charitable. 

"  Let  me  beg  of  you  to  buy  the  new  edition  of  Hannah 
More's  works,  and  invariably  read  them  once  a  year,  partic- 
ularly her  '  Strictures  on  education.'  Let  me  recommend, 
with  the  united  earnestness  of  a  brother  and  clergyman,  that 
you  will  read  religious  books,  and  sometimes  allow  me  to  be 
your  adviser.  Be  scrupulously  attentive  to  the  observance  of 
the  sabbath,  both  in  public  and  in  private,  both  at  church  and 
at  home  ;  and  in  all  your  pleasures,  all  your  pains,  all  your  em- 
ployments, prospects,  plans  and  engagements,  remember  that 
the  use  of  this  life  is  to  prepare  for  a  better  ;  and  that '  straight 
is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way  that  leads  to  eternal  life, 
and  few  theit^be  that  find  it.'  Read  your  Bible,  with  prayer. 


REV.    LEGH  EICH3fOND. 


39 


daily,  under  the  impression  of  this  awful  truth  ;  and  mav  God 
remember  you,  my  dearest  sister,  amongst  those  whom  he  es- 
pecially loveth  ;  and  his  grace  Tender  you,  what  I  wish  you 
may  always  prove  to  be,  a  valued  wife,  a  tender  mother,  an 
estimable  friend,  and  a  devoted  Christian. — Your  affectionate 
brother.  L.  Richxo>-d." 

We  now  proceed  to  unfold  the  more  secret  recesses  of  his 
heart,  as  developed  in  a  diary,  commencing  January,  1804, 
and  continued  to  August  of  the  same  year.  It  is  much  to  be 
lamented,  that  it  seems  never  to  have  been  regularly  resumed, 
and  that  there  are  only  occasional  and  interrupted  documents 
of  this  kind  found  among  his  papers.  A  diary,  in  its  spiritual 
use  and  character,  is  a  record  of  the  soul's  state  of  feeling,  in 
reference  to  the  all-seeing  eye  of  God  ;  and  therefore  must 
necessarily  be  supposed  to  be  the  genuine  expression  of  all  its 
inward  movements,  to  the  exclusion  of  every  thing  that,  by  any 
possibility,  can  be  supposed  to  be  deceptive  or  assumed.  In  this 
sense,  it  is  one  of  the  most  solemn  acts  of  intercourse  that  can 
subsist  between  the  soul  and  its  God.  It  is  the  exposure  of  eve- 
ry  thought — the  confession  of  every  infirmity — the  prostration 
of  the  soul  before  a  pure  and  holy  Being,  in  all  the  depths  of 
self-abasement  ;  and  directed  to  these  important  ends,  it  is  like 
antedating  the  judicial  investigation  and  sentence  of  the 
last  great  day  of  the  Lord.  Good  men  have  differed  as  to  the 
expediency  and  necessity  of  this  act  ;  but  the  difference  prob- 
ably, will  be  found  less  to  regard  the  principle  itself,  than  the 
mode  of  its- execution.  Duly  improved,  it  may  be  a  powerful 
check  and  faithful  monitor  to  every  thought,  word  and  deed  ; 
and  though  a  divine  poiver  alone  can  restrain  the  passions  of 
the  heart,  and  restore  it  in  its  wanderings,  yet  subordinate 
means,  in  dependence  on  this  power,  are  still  available,  and 
may  be  blest  in  their  use  ;  as  the  river  is  composed  of  tributa- 
ry streams  and  rills,  and  yet  all  finally  direct  their  course  to 
the  same  wide  and  expansive  ocean. 

Leaving,  therefore,  the  decision  of  this  question  to  each 
man's  judgment  and  conscience,  we  now  lay  before  the  read- 
er the  following  extracts  from  the  diary  to  which  we  have  al- 
luded. 

"  Jan.  \.  A  new  year  is  begun,  but  where  is  the  new 
heart,  and  the  right  spirit  ?  O,  weakness  and  wickedness  ! 
Preached  from  Rom.  xi,  28,  29  ;  and  Job  xvi,  22.    Felt  much 

satisfaction,  after  the  morning  service,  from  J  and  his 

wife  proposing  to  become  members  of  my  society.    He  shed 


40  " 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tears  of  penitence  and  joy.  May  God  work  all  for  good.  In 
the  afternoon,  felt  something  of  the  fear  of  man  ;  but  found,  as 
I  proceeded,  more  freedom.  O  Lord,  save  me  from  fear  of 
censure,  and  love  of  praise  !  Went  in  the  evening  to  my  soci- 
ety at  Arreton  ;  few,  but  meek,  humble,  and  hopeful.  Ano- 
ther member  proposed,  an  infirm  old  widow. 

"  Jan,  3.  Uneasy  at  not  having  completed  another  part  of 
the  review  of  Daubeny.*  I  am  very  deficient  in  steady,  per- 
severing diligence.  Let  me  think  much  of  this,  and  learn  to 
set  a  right  value  on  time.  Oh  !  how  precious  ought  every 
hour  to  be,  whe'n  each  may  be  the  last.  Thought  much  of 
Cowper's  description  of  preaching  :  (Task  Book  ii.)  God  im- 
press it  on  my  heart.  B.  is  buried  to-day  ;  how  dreadfully 
unprepared  to  meet  his  God !  How  far  am  I  responsible  ?  Alas  ! 
how  great  is  the  burden  of  the  pastor  !  Lord,  give  me  grace 
to  see  it,  and  feel  it  more  and  more,  and  enable  me  to  bear  it 
with  good  conscience.  I  have  been  delighted,  and  I  hope 
profited,  by  Biddulph's  funeral  sermon  on  Mr.  Drewitt ;  oh ! 
that  I  were  like  him  !  I  now  wonder  that  I  had  not  more 
correspondence  with  that  holy  man,  I  shall  ever  think  with 
pleasure  of  my  introduction  to  him.  God,  bring  us  together  at 
the  last.  I  trust  my  reaolutions  gain  strength.  O  God,  in 
thy  mercy  strengthen  me  !  May  my  thoughts  now  close  with 
blessed  Drewitt,  and  sink  to  peacefulness  with  a  blesssing  on 
the  meditation. 

"  Jan.  4.  Received  the  Christian  Observer ;  my  fourth  let- 
ter  on  Kipling  there  ;f  surely  it  is  conclusive,  yet  what  will  not 
prejudice  distort  ?  Preserve  me,  O  my  God  !  in  the  wiles  of 
controversy,  from  the  neglect  of  practical  religion  within.  It 
is  not  Calvin,  nor  Arminius,  nor  Crankier,  but  Christ,  who  is 
the  Saviour,  and  his  name  only  be  adored. 

"  Jan,  6.  A  beautiful  frosty  morning;  Teach  me,  O 
Lord  !  from  the  beauties  of  nature,  to  learn  the  beauties  of 
grace.  Every  returning  morning  reminds  me  what  a  mercy 
it  is  I  am  still  alive  ;  and  have  space  and  time  given  me  to  re- 
pent and  believe.  Take  my  heart,  O  God  !  into  thy.  keeping, 
and  then  it  will  be  safe.  If  it  be  thy  good  pleasure  to  rescue 
me  from  temporal  perplexity,  let  my  gratitude  appear  ;  if  not, 

*  He  here  alludes  to  his  review  of  Daiibeny's  Vindicice  Ecclesioe  Angli- 
cance,  of  which  we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  in  a  subsequent  part.  It  was 
inserted  in  the  "  Christian  Observer." 

t  This  is  another  review  in  wliich  he  was  engaged.  It  was  published  in 
the  "  Christian  Observer"  for  1804,  under  the  signatures  of  Academicus,  and 
a  Curate  of  the  South. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


41 


let  it  be  ground  for  submission  and  patient  resignation. 
With  thee,  I  cannot  do  ill ;  without  thee,  I  cannot  do  well. 
Heard  Nugent's  morning  prayers.  May  he  learn  early  the 
lesson,  which  I  for  so  many  years  neglected,  and  now  perform 
so  unworthily.    Prayer  is  the  breath  of  faith. 

"  Jan.  7.  Surprised  by'a  letter  from  Hannah  More,  to  in- 
vite me  to  succeed  Mr.  Drewitt,  at  Cheddar,  or  to  recom- 
mend a  curate.  Oh,  I  am  unworthy,  could  it  be  brought 
about.  Yet  what  a  field  to  act  upon.  Lead  me,  O  God,  to 
that  which  is  right.  Shall  I  make  any  overtures  ,to  remove 
there  or  not?  It  has  filled  me  with  mingled  contemplation 
and  solicitude.  Is  it  a  call  from  God,  or  ought  I  rather  to  do 
his  work  here  ?  Direct  my  heart,  O  God,  from  doubts  and 
wanderings,  into  thy  paths. 

"  Jan  8,  Sunday.  Snow  and  sleet.  How  cold  are  my 
affections  !  hke  this^season.  Warm  my  heart,  O  Lord  !  till  it 
burn  with  the  flames  of  devotion.  Compose  my  thoughts  into 
holy  meditation,  and  let  not  the  events  of  the  day  destroy  them. 

"  Preached  on  the  Epiphany,  and  on  Christ  amon^  the 
doctors  in  the  temple. 

"  My  heart  heavy  in  reflectiag  how  unworthy  I  am  to  think 
ever  of  succeeding  Mr.  Drewitt :  to  be  placed  in  such  a  parish, 
with  such  neighbors  and  friends  as  that  country  would  afford, 

might  be  an  unspeakable  benefit  to  me,  and  my  dear'M  ; 

but  I  hardly  dare  think  of  it.  Lord  direct  me  for  the  best. 
I  am  a  poor,  -weak,  irresolute,  sinful  creature;  without  thee,  I 
can  do  nothing. 

"  Jan.  10.  What  an  awful  idea  is  eternity  ;  am  I  prepared 
to  encounter  it  ?  '  Oh,  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover 
my  strength  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen  !'  Settle 
my  opinions  steadfastly,  and  above  all,  my  affections  on  thy- 
self, O  Lord  !  Have  mercy  on  the  dear  children  whom  thou 
hast  given  me,  and  may  I  give  them  back  unto  thee  in  Jesus 
Christ,  their  and  my  Saviour.  I  fear  I  have  not  taught  N. 
all  I  ought,  and  of  which  he  is  capable.  Let  me  lay  this  to 
heart,  and  recommend  him  to  God  in  prayer. 

"  Much  perplexed  what  to  say  t^  Mrs.  More.  Surely  if 
vanity  wanted  food,  it  is  here — to  be  solicited  by  a  Hannah 
More  to  supply  the  place  of  a  Drewitt !  But  a  sense  of  un- 
worthiness,  thank  God,  represses  emotions  like  these. 

" —  11.  Much  indisposed  by  a  very  severe  cold  ;  but 
alas  !  how  much  more  sick  in  the  inner  man.  I  have  nearl}' 
finished  this  month's  portion  for  the  *  Christian  Observer** 


42 


MEJIOIHS  OF  THE 


May  I  grow  daily  more  diligent,  pious,  and  wise  unto  salva. 
lion,  through  God's  blessing  on  my  studies. 

" —  13.  Better  in  body  ;  I  thank  thee,  O  God  ;  but  there 
is  much  in  my  mind  that  wants  healing.  Oh  !  thou  Redeemer 
of  souls,  and  physician  of  hearts,  purchase  me  entirely  to  thy- 
self, and  heal  my  diseases.  I  have  sent  off  my  packet  to  the 
Christian  observer.  The  world  fights  against  me,  the  flesh 
within  me,  and  Satan  both  within  and  without.  How  shall 
I  conquer,  but  in  Christ  Jesus  ?  Help  me  to  prepare,  O 
Lord,  for  the  service  of  thy  sanctuary  ;  and  direct  me  to  such 
thoughts  and  words  as  shall  edify  my  hearers,  and  reach  my 
own  heart  to  a  good  purpose. 

"  Jan.  14.  One  fortnight  more,  and  I  shall  be  thirty. two  in 
years  by  nature,  but  how  old  in  grace  ?  Sloth,  detested  sloth, 
how  does  it  injure  my  advancement !  Would  to  God  I  might 
now  break  all  bonds,  and  fly  in  heart  and  soul  to  the  possession 
of  my  God.  There  are  moments  when  all  heaven  seems 
open  before  me ;  and  others,  when  I  tremble  over  the  pit  of 
sorrows. 

" — 15.  The  Sabbath  is  ended.  I  preached  on  the  rea- 
son why  Christ  delivered  his  doctrine  in  parables  ;  Matt.  xiii. 
10,  11.  At  Yaverland,  -read  the  Homily  on  the  time  and 
place  of  prayer.  Went  to  Arreton  ;  my  excellent,  though 
humble 'friend,  J.  W.  was  there.  I  pray  God  I  might  sit  at 
his  feet  in  the  kingdom  of  ^heaven  ;  1  know  no  other  such 
Christian  here.  Would  to  God  I  were  like  him.  I  found 
much  comfort  with  my  society.  Returned  in  thunder,  light- 
ning, and  rain.  Thought  of  death  and  [of  judgment.  Oh, 
awful  meditation  !  Let  me  examine  my  heart  on  its  faith,  hope 
and  love.  Help  me,  O  God  !  to  pray  ;  and  so  may  thy  bless- 
ing  rest  on  me  and  mine. 

« —  16.  Another  week  and  another  mercy*  *  Oh,  teach 
me  to  number  my  days,  that  I  may  apply  my  heart  unto  wis- 
dom.' Why  am  I  alive  ?  Why  have  I  space  to  repent,  when 
so  many  are  cut  oflf?  Who  makes  me  to  differ,  either  in  out- 
ward or^inward  circumstances  ?  Oh,  my  Lord,  and  my  God  ! 
to  thee  I  owe  every  thipg  ;  yea,  myself  also.  Let  me  then 
speedily  pay  the  debt. 

"  What  method  shall  I  take  to  cure  my  spiritual  slothful- 
ness  ?  There  must  be  a  struggle  and  agony — heaven  must 
be  taken  with  violence.  - 

"  Day  after  day  elapses. — Oh,  time !  oh,  eternity  !  In  spite 
of  sorrows,  calms  and  relaxations  sometimes  steal  on  me.  Let 
me  not  deceive  myself  with  a  false  peace.    Sometimes  I  am 


REV.   LEGH  RICIIMOXD. 


43 


tempted  to  doubt  whether  I  am  a  real  Christian.  O  teach 
me,  my  God,  to  answer  this  question  with  a  right  conscience. 

"Jan.  17.  I  feel  much  uneasiness  at  not  making  more 
progress  in  the  ri^ht  way.  The  unfruitful  tree  shall  be  cut 
down  and  burned.*  Have  mercy  on  mo,  and  all  my  family, 
according  to  thy  goodness,  O  Lord  !  Help  me  to  form  a  riglit 
judement,  bind  my  affections  to  the  truth,  and  so  let  my  life 
shew  it  forth.  Often,  as  my  birth-day  approached,  have  I 
made  resolutions  of  a^iew  life  ;  but  there  has  always  been  an 
enemy  within  and  witfiout,  to  prevail  against  me. 

"  Much  pleased  with  Dr.  Jackson,  on  the  Catholic  church, 
— a  curious  and  beautiful  mean  between  Arminianism  and  high 
Calvinism.  Give  me  a  firm  and  resolute  heart,  O  God  !  even 
such  an  one  as  thou  wilt  accept. 

"  Wrote  to  Hannah  More,  dubiously.  Lord,  direct  me  to 
choose  for  the  best. 

"  Jan.  18.  This  day,  with  thy  blessing,  I  shall  go  to  feed 
my  sheep  at  Bembridge.  Grant  me  to  do  so  with  a  faithful 
and  a  single  heart.  I  always  look  upon  that  society  as  a  hum- 
ble ground  for  hope  that  the  Lord  means  to  do  good  through 
me  ;  yet  how  often  do  I  perform  that  duty  with  slothfulness. 
Give  me,  O  God,  more  will,  and  strength,  and  grace,  and 
power,  and  blessing,  and  success  ;  and  teach  me  to  judge  (if  it 
so  please  thee)  by  the  state  of  my  people,  of  my  own.  Pro- 
vide Cheddar  with  a  successor  to  Drewitt,  after  thine  own 
heart,  and  increase  the  number  of  true  pastors,  and  of  true 
sheep  in  thy  pasture. 

"  —  19.  How  vain  are  all  attempts  to  find  peace  in  aught 
but  the  Gospel !  How  the  world  steals  upon  the  mind,  and 
usurps  the  throne  of  God.  *  Video  meliora  pi'ohoque,  deteri- 
ora  sequor,^^  Make  me  more  discreet  and  considerate  in  the 
management  of  my  property.  Let  justice  and  generosity  be 
equally  and  forcibly  remembered.  I  find  my  prayers  languid 
and  lukewarm  to-day.  Why  is  this  ?  The  fault  must  lie  within. 

"  — 20.  Little  Mary  in  a  Very  high  fever  ;  Nugent  begin- 
ning to  have  one.  Teach  me  so  to  bear  these  trials,  that 
they  may  be  truly  profitable  unto  me. 

" — 24.  Let  me  impress  on  my  mind  the  value  of  time,  and 
resolve  and  act  accordingly.  Let  me  often  reflect  on  my 
wife's  and  children's  souls,  as  well  as  my  own  ;  and  never 
forget  the  spiritual  welfare  of  my  flock. 

"  Mary  excessively  weak, — Nugent  worse.  Keep  my  heart, 
O  God  !  or  I  shall  soon  be  overwhelmed.  Grant  me  thy  bles- 
sing, O  God ! 

*  I  see  and  approve  the  better,  but  follow  the  worse.— ^wer.  Ed. 


4A 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


Jan.  25.  Letter  from  Mr.  Wilberforce.  How  beauti- 
ful a  sight  is  riches  united  with  godliness.  Yet  who  that  has 
the  latter  is  not  truly  possessed  of  the  former.  If  the  weather 
should  permit  my  going  to  Bembridge,  prosper  my  endeavor 
among  the  people,  O  Lord  !  and  may  their  prosperity  be  mine. 

"  — 27.  An  affecting  letter  from  my  mother  to  my  wife, 
exhorting  to  fortitude  and  patience,  in  case  it  should  please 
God  to  take^our  sweet  little  Mary  to  himself.  May  we  find 
it  to  be  for  our  good,  which  ever  way  tlye  righteous  God  shall 
ordain.  Let  me  reflect  much  on  this  matter,  and  be  thou  with 
me,  O  my  God  !  in  all  my  prayers  and  supplications. 

—  29.  The  Lord's  sabbath  and  my  birth-day.  O  al- 
mighty God  !  sanctify  this  day  to  my  heart :  herein  and  hence- 
forth may  I  rest  from  sin,  and  spiritual  sorrow,  except  that 
sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  unto  salvation. 

I  have  preached  on  the  parable.  Matt,  xx,  1  ;  and  from 
Eph.  i,  7,  on  redemption. 

*'  Had  some  interesting  conversation  with  J.  W.  and  E.  C. 
Went  to  Arreton, — Comfort  and  peace.  My  child  rather 
better.  God  bless  us  all,  and  make  us  to  know  what  means 
peace  with  thee. 

"  The  barometer  rose  an  inch  and  a  half  in  twenty-four 
hours. 

"  Jan.  30.  The  risings  and  fallings  of  the  baromter,  and 
the  consequent  changes  of  weather,  remind  me  of  the  risings 
and  fallings  of  my  own  spirit.  This  day  some  friends  are 
coming  to  keep  my  birth-day :  when  will  friends  of  another 
kind  celebrate  my  birth-day  into  the  life  of  glory  ?  Ten  pounds  * 
from  Mr.  Wilberforce  for  the  poor.  Holy  man  !  would  I  re- 
sembled  thee. 

*'  — 3L  May  God  strengthen  me  to  keep  my  birth-day  res- 
olutions  ;  I  am  very  weak  and  unstable. 

"  A  momentary  fit  of  anger,  which,  blessed  be  God,  I  im- 
mediately tranquillized,  and  sought  present  reconciliation.  Let 
the  fear  of  Gocfs  anger  ever  make  me  afraid  of  my  own. 

"  Feb.  \.  I  am  studying  the  Augsburg  Confession  on  Justi- 
fication. It  appears  decisive  against  Daubeny.  Oh  !  for  a 
full  application  of  the  doctrine  to  my  own  soul. 

"  Met  my  society  at  Bembridge.  The  occasion  profitable. 
Returned  in  a  storm.  May  these  meetings  prove  a  solid  and 
permanent  advantage  to  all,  and  to  me. 

" — 2.  When  I  reflect  on  my  unfruitfulness,  I  tremble. 
Hours,  days,  weeks,  years  roll  on,  and  still  so  much  is  to  be 
done. 


EEV.   LEGII  SICH3I0ND. 


45 


I  have  looked  into  the  controversy  between  Daubeny  and 
Overton.  Faults  on  both  sides.  But  there  is  a  controversy 
between  me  and  my  God,  where  the  fault  is  all  on  one  side. 
Who  shall  judge  between  us  ?  O  Christ  !  be  my  advocate, 
yea,  my  surety,  and  I  shall  not  fear  thee,  when  thou  shalt 
appear  as  my  judge. 

Feb.  7.  Much  ado  about  nothing,  and  little  done  about 
the  great  thing.  Oh,  let  thy  mercy  be  shown  to  me,  by  en- 
abling me  to  show  mercy  to  myself!  When  I  think  of  what  I 
have  been,  what  I  am,  what  I  shall  be, — the  idea  fills  me 
with  hopeful  fear,  and  tearful  hope.  Let  me  think  of  my  ser- 
mons, my  soul,  my  family,  my  relations,  my  friends,  my  par- 
ish, my  Saviour,  and  my  God  ;  and  thus  close  my  meditation 
to-night  with  prayer.  % 

" — 9.  Dreamed  a  dream,  full  of  confusion  and  dangers  ; 
useful  hints  may  be  drawn  rationally  from  dreams,  so  far  as 
they  may  be  considered  as  resulting  from  the  state  and  frame 
of  the  b(fdy,  and  the  inward  customary  state  of  the  mind. 
Dreams  are  for  the  most  part  the  uninterrupted  thoughts  of 
the  soul  in  sleep.  Oh,  my  God !  may  my  waking  thoughts 
and  my  sleeping  imaginations  all  become  full  of  thee  ! 

" —  10.  I  find  a  strong  inclination  to  false  fancy,  as  if 
some  change  in  my  worldly  state  and  residence  were  to  bring 
about  a  correspondent  one  in  my  spiritual  condition.  Satan 
struggles  together  with  the  flesh,  to  keep  up  the  dangerous 
phantom*  Art  thou  not  here,  O  my  God  !  and  is  not  mine 
office  here  ?  and  has  not  my  soul  help  sufficient  ?  Oh,  yes  !  give 
me  strength  to  resist  this,  and  to  seek  thee  here  and  now. 
Oh  !  let  me  watch  as  well  as  pray,  lest  I  enter  into  tempta- 
lion. 

Feb.  11.  This  day  there  is  to  be  an  eclipse  of  the  sun. 
What  a  beautiful  emblem  of  those  eclipses  of  the  soul,  which 
sometimes  hide  the  face  of  God  from  the  sons  of  earth.  Oh, 
revive  me  with  thy  presence,  my  God  !  even  thy  effectual  and 
abiding  prsence,  I  have  been  meditating  on  the  parable  of 
the  good  Samaritan,  in  a  spiritual  application,  with  a  view  of 
preaching  on  it.  May  both  its  literal  and  mystical  sense 
shine  forth  in  me. 

"  To-morrow  is  thy  day,  O  God  of  Hosts  !  may  I  sanctify 
it,  and  may  my  words  be  blessed  to  the  hfearts  of  my  hearers. 
Enable  me  to  speak /rom  the  heart  to  the  heart. 

" —  15.  Ash-Wednesday.  Is  this  truly  so  to  me  ?  Do  I 
mourn  in  dust  and  ashes  for  my  sins  ?  I  want  the  spirit  of  mor- 
tification and  self-denial.  Enable  me  to  preach  to  my  people 
5 


46 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


without  fear  of  man,  and  with  the  love  of  God  in  my  own 
heart. 

"  Oh,  my  God !  guide,  direct,  sanctify  and  bless  me,  and 
all  mine  and  all  thine. 

" —  16.  How  weak,  frail,  and  inconstant  a  creature  is 
man  ;  and  of  men,  myself  most  deplorably  so.  Sometimes.my 
desires  and  resolutions  i*un  mountains,  high  ;  and  then  I  grow 
faint,  and  the  stream  of  my  affections  is  muddied  and  thick. 
Let  me  think  of  my  children  and  my  household,  and  of  their 
spiritual  welfare  ;  and  not  cleave  in  heart  to  any  one  tempta. 
tion  thrown  in  my  way  by  the  world. 

The  organ  proposal  negatived.    I  feel  the  benefit  of  a 
momentary  disappointment ;  it  is  physic  to  the  soul.  How 
#every  thing  tends  to  convince  me  of  the  folly  and  wickedness 
of  seeking  comfort  in  the  creature.    O  blessed  Creator  !  when 
shall  I  be  thine  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ? 

"  Feb.  17.  Harassed  with  foolish  thoughts.  I  grow  more 
and  more  ashamed  of  myself,  that  such  things  can  \h.y  hold  of 
my  heart,  and  that  I  should  have  such  deadness  towards 
heaven.    '  O  earth,  earth,  earth  !  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord.' 

"  I  have  been  to  Bembridge,  and  read  Burder's  poetical 
abridgment  of  the  Pilgrim's  Progress,  with  profit  and  delight 
to  us  all.  How  much  more  am  I  in  my  element,  among  my 
little  flock,  than  scheming  .in  the  world.  Drank  tea  at  John 
Wheler's  ;  his  cottage  is  God's  palace. 

" —  20.    Let  me  reflect  on  the  fleetness  of  time,  and  on 
•  the  uncertainty  of  my  life.    Drevvitt  was  taken  away  just  at 
my  age — the  hand  of  death  may  be  close  :  oh,  what  folly  to 
imagine  it  at  a  distance  !  May  I  then  die  daily. 

"  Received  religious  books  to  the' value  of  15/.  from  Mr. 
Thornton,  to  distribute  in  my  parish.  God  be  thanked  for 
such  friends  to  me  and  mine. 

Feb,  21  I  have  strangely  neglected  the  review.  I 
pray  God  to  give  me  strength  to  go  on  with  it,  and  to  think 
and  write  to  his  glory.  My  inward  and  bosom  sin  preys  sadly 
upon  me.  I  beseech  thee,  O  my  God  !  to  make  me  a  new 
creature  ;  in  that  respect  most  especially,  give  me  a  new 
heart  and  a  right  spirit.' 

" — 24.  How  soon  the  best  plans  degenerate  into  formality, 
and  how  often  Sata^  transforms  himself  into  an  angel  of  light. 
What  a  fight,  race,  and  struggle,  the  Christian  warfare  is  ! 
May  1  so  fight,  run,  and  strive,  that  I  may  obtain. 

"  — 26.  A  serene  fine  morning  is  an  emblem  of  rest — rest 
from  storms  and  rain  ;  how  ought  1  to  seek  an  earnest  within 


REV.    LEGH  RICHXOND. 


47 


of  that  '  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.'  In  all 
my  ministrations  this  day — in  the  sanctuary,  the  house,  the 
closet,  may  all  be  to  thee,  and  for  thee,  and  by  thee.  I  feel 
my  own  deficiencies  daily  more  and  more  ;  O  God  !  may  I 
feel  them  till  I  lose  them. 

" — 27.  I  every  day  feel  more  the  truth  of  the  doctrine, 
that  the  flesh,  and  spirit  strive  contrary  wise  against  each 
other.  Excuses,  apologies,  procrastinations,  delays,  all  pro- 
ceed from  this. 

" — 29.  I  perceive  too  much  compliance  v.  ith  worldly  com- 
pany and  conversation  ;  oh,  my  soul,  if  I  give  way  to  this^  my 
usefulness  will  be  much  diminished.  Let  me  often  remember 
that  I  renounced  the  world  at  bapt^m. 

"  March  4.  The  sabbath  is  over.  I  preached  on  the 
strong  man  armed  ;  and  from  1  Cor.  i.  23,  introducing  a 
homily. 

"  I  wish  my  children  could  sing  the  praises  of  God  ;  may 
their  learning  music  have  this  end  and  aim,  both  in  themselves 
and  me. 

" — 6.  Like  the  Israelites  of  old,  I  find  myself  w^anderin^ 
in  the  wilderness  of  sin.  Yet,  O  my  God  !  if  thou  art  my 
guide  and  light,  by  day  and  night,  all  will  be  well. 
.  " — 7.  The  beauty  of  such  a  morning  as  this  should  be  an 
emblem  of  the  life  of  God  in  my  soul.  What  is  mere  animal 
life  without  this  ?  Oh  !  break  my  rebellious  spirit,  and  bring 
the  inner  man  into  true  subjection  to  thee. 

" — 10.  I  am  meditating  a  sermon,  on  drawing  water  from 
the  wells  of  salvation.  Let  me  ever  keep  it  in  faithful  re- 
membrance, that  I  preach  to  my  own  heart  first,  and  then  to 
my  people's.  I  have  been  arranging  the  different  texts  which 
describe  Gospel  graces  and  promises,  under  the  emblem  of 
water.  I  must  be  more  and  more  urgent  in  drawincr  from  the 
fountain  of  God's  vv  ord. 

" — 12.  One  day  nearer  death  and  eternity.  Lift  up  my 
heart,  O  God  !  in  earnest  prayer  for  real  blessings.  Let  me 
be  more  desirous  of  graces  than  gifts,  and  yet  remember,  that 
both  are  from  thee. 

March  16.  A  thick  fog  this  morning.  Is  this  the  only 
fog?  On  looking  over  ray  diary,  I  see  much  to  lament.  What 
a  map  of  frailty  !  O,  my  Redeemer,  how  shall  I  estimate  the 
infinite  value  of  that  blood  of  thine,  which  was  shed  for  sin. 
What  are  my  fime,  reading,  learning,  memory,  situation, 
influence,  authority,  money,  and  other  various  abilities,  of 
mind  and  body,  but  so  many  talents  lent  me  by  God,  of  which 


48 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


I  must  speedily  render  an  account  ?  Have  I  any  talents  for  the 
ministry  ?  Do  I  use  them  as  not  abusing  them  ?  Are  they  with 
a  single  eye  and  heart  consecrated  to  the  honor  of  God? 

" — 17.  I  plainly  perceive  that  the  Lord  has  permitted  me 
to  suffer  a  dereliction,  as  a  just  punishment  for  too  much  care- 
lessness ;  but  O  !  my  Lord  Jesus,  let  me  see  the  light  of  thy 
countenance.  Fix  my  roving  wishes,  and  nail  them  to  thy 
cross  ;  and  oh!  let  me  remember  that  no  flower  can  blow  in 
Paradise,  which  is  not  transplanted  from  Gethsemane  ;  no  one 
can  taste  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  life,  that  has  not  tasted  of 
the  fruits  of  the  tree  of  Calvary. 

"—18.  A  day  of  rest.  Rest  thou,  O  my  soul  !  from  va- 
nity and  the  world.  Fix  thyself  on  the  cross,  and  there  muse 
and  contemplate  till  thou  art  filled  with  the  theme. 

" — 24.  I  purpose  to  preach  five  evening  lectures  next 
week,  on  the  progress,  nature,  and  extent  of  Christ's  suffer- 
ings. May  the  subject  animate  my  soul,  and  through  grace 
give  life  to  my  weak  faith. 

" — Lord  r  dead  !  and  thus  end  all  hopes  of  preferment 

it  is  called)  from  that  quarter.  How  absurd  to  build  on 
man  !  Wherever  the  Lord  designs  me  to  do  good,  he  will  keep 
or  place  me  ;  and  in  him  all  is  right,  and  as  it  should  be. 

"  March  2.  How  many  unforeseen  events  crowd  upon  my 
attention  ;  what  a  strange,  busy  scene  is  this,  and  how  it 
strives  to  steal  the  heart  from  God  ! 

" — 27.  I  feel  much  dissatisfied  with  myself.  Lord,  what 
am  I,  that  thou  shouldst  so  regard  me  ?  A  worm,  a  vile  worm 
of  the  dust.  I  am  to  preach  to-night  a  lecture  on  Christ's  suf-- 
ferings.    What  do  I  suffer  for  him  ? 

" — 30.  Good.Friday.  I  bless  God  that  my  first  act  has 
been  weeping  for  thy  sorrows,  O  my  Saviour  !" 

It  is  impossible  to  pursue  the  foregoing  extracts  without  a 
deep  conviction  of  the  sincerity  and  earnestness  of  the  writer. 
The  heart  seems  to  be  unfolded  before  us,  stripped  of  the  illu- 
sioijs  of  self-love,  which  are  so  apt  to  mingle  in  the  estimate 
that  we  form  of  ourselves  ;  and  conscience  is  armed  with  all 
the  authority  of  a  judge,  and  pronounces  its  i-mpartial  verdict. 

We  see  in  his  internal  conflicts  the  struggles  between  the 
two  opposing  principles,  "  the  flesh  and  the  spirit :"  the  striv- 
ings of  inward  corruption,  and  the  aspirations  of  the  soul  to- 
wards  God.  The  feelings  of  every  renewed  heart  will  har- 
raonise  with  this  description ;  though  the  accurate  observer 
will  not  fail  to  remark,  that  the  full  triumphs  of  faith  and  hope 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND.  49 

were  yet  wanting,  and  that  stability,  which  time  and  experi- 
ence arc  necessary  to  bestow  :  for  though  the  principle  which 
renewed  the  heart  is  ma^'ked  throughout  by  circumstances 
which  ascertain  its  reality,  its  effects  and  influences  are  always 
progressive.  The  reader  who  is  less  familiar  with  these 
things,  may  here  learn  a  most  instructive  lesson.  He  may 
not  comprehend  the  doctrine  of  conversion, — he  may  know 
nothing  of  the  conflicts  of  the  soul, — nothing  of  the  two  prin- 
ciples within,  alternately  striving  for  the  mastery, — nothing  of 
that  jealousy  over  the  heart,  and  that  deep  convictiort  of  its 
depravity  expressed  in  the  Diary  of  Mr.  Richmond.  Let 
him  then  examine  the  fact  here  presented  to  his  notice  ;  he 
sees  a  man  undergoing  a  visible  and  remarkable  change  in 
views  and  conduct,  and  his  principles  and  affections  directed 
to  high  and  holy  objects, — the  reality  of  the  principle  attested 
by  the  reality  of  its  effects,  ar^d  inward  grace  illustrated  by 
outward  holiness.  Let  him  remember,  that  the  conversion, 
so  strikingly  exhibited  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Richmond,  is  no  less 
needed  by  himself ; — that  it  is  indispensable  to  his  admission 
into  the  abodes  of  peace  and  glory ;  and  that  if  heaven  be  a 
prepared  place  for  a  prepared  people,  •  and  a  fitness  for  its 
enjoyments  be  essential  to  their  possession,  there  must  be  a 
knowledge  of  thi^  principle,  an  inward  experience  of  its  power, 
and  an  outward  evidence  of  its  existence  in  the  life,  before  he 
can  have  a  well-grounded  assurance  of  a  happy  immortality  ; 
for  the  spirit  of  heavenly  inspiration  has  recorded,  in  charac- 
ters, never  to  be  obliterated,  "  except  ye  be  converted,  jq 
shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 


CHAPTER  V. 

Relation  of  circumstances  occui  ring  during  the  period  of  the  foregoing  ciiapter. 

The  plan  of  the  preceding  chapter  having  restricted  us  to 
the  illustration  of  a  particular  principle  and  its  effects,  we 
now  proceed  to  notice  what  occurred  within  the  period  that 
has  just  been  traversed.  We  have  alread}^  alluded  to  the 
sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Richmond  at  Bath,  '  On  cruelty  to 
the  brute  creation,'  and  to  the  publication  of  that  discourse,  at 
the  request  of  the  congregation.  As  the  attention  of  the 
legislature  has  of  late  years  been  often  directed  to  this  subject, 
we  think  the  following  extract  will  not  be  deemed  altogether 
without  interest. 
5* 


50 


MEMOIRS  OF  TJBEE 


"This  dominion  over  the  creatures  was  given  to  Adam, 
whilst  the  likeness  of  God  shone  forth  in  him  ;  consequently 
it  was  a  merciful  domion.  It  was  %  sovereignty  designed  to 
be  exercised  with  every  possible  kindness  of  treatment,  which 
the  grateful  and  benevolent  temper  of  man,  in  his  state  of 
primitive  righteousness,  could  suggest.  Hence  we  are  enabled 
the  deduce  the  right  of  the  inferior  creatures  to  kindness  of 
treatment,  from  a  most  satisfactory  and  unerring  source  of 
argument,  no  less  than  an  explicit  revelation  of  God's  will, 
coeval  with  the  foundation  of  the  world  itself.  The  merciful 
design  of  God  in  making  man  the  lord  of  the  creation,  is 
mercifully  manifest;  for  such  was  the  holiness  of  man's  heart, 
sych  the  purity  of  his  affections  before  the  fall,  that  every 
creature  subjected  to  his  rule  was  assured  of  being  happy. 
The  intention  of  God,  whose  loving  kindness  is  over  all  his 
works,  was  fully  accomplishec^by  appointing  man,  such  as  he 
was  whilst  in  Paradise,  to  be  the  intermediate  instrument  of 
his  goodness  towards  them.  Made  in  the  express  image  of  an 
holy  and  merciful  God,  Adam,  like  his  Maker,  was  holy  and 
merciful  too." 

We  might  here  have  noticed  another  sermon,  published  by 
him  two  or  three  years  prior  to  this  period,  entitled,  'Reflec- 
tions suggested  by  the  close  of  the  year,'  which  passed  into  a 
fourth  edition.  It  abounds  with  impressive  remarks  and  strong 
appeals  to  the  young  and  to  the  old,  on  the  shortness  and  un- 
certainty of  human  life  ;  but  .  his  religious  views  not  having 
then  attained  the  maturity  and  correctness  by  which  they  were 
afterwards  characterised,  we  forbear  making  any  extracts 
from  it.  • 

The  religion  of  Mr.  Richniond,  though  it  engaged  his  most 
earnest  and  anxious  thoughts,  had  no  tinge  of  gloom  or  aus- 
terity. He  was  at  all  times  cheerful ;  and  the  following  letter, 
addressed  to  his  aunt  about  this  period,  enclosing  his  profile, 
is  an  instance  of  that  playfulness  of  humor  in  which  he  was 
often  accustomed  to  indulge. 

Brading,  Feb.  JO,  1803. 
"  My  d*arest  Aunt, — Being  unwilling  to  trust  mere  pen  and 
paper  to  make  excuse  for  my  long  silence,  I  have  sent  a  rep- 
resentative to  do  it  for  me  ;  humbly  conceiving  that  a  shadow 
of  an  apology  would  be  best  made  by  a  shadow  of  a  man. 
Now,  my  dear  aunt,  unsubstantial  as  a  shadow  is,  it  may 
nevertheless  be  the  means  of  creating  a  very  solid  idea  of 
the  thing  signified.    At  all  events  it  is  better  than  nothing  ; 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND.  51 

more  especially  as  this  shadow  possesses  (what  other  shadows 
do  not)  a  stationary  faculty  ;  and  I  do  apprehend,  that  whether 
the  sun  shines  or  not,  and  whether  a  candle  be  or  be  not  in 
the  room,  the  said  shadowy  gentleman  will  not  quit  your  fire- 
side without  leave,  if  you  think  him  worthy  of  being  once 
plaxied  there.  It  is  true,  that  from  the  very  constitution  of  his 
nature,  he  rather  looksy>o/7i  than  at  you, —  but  what  then  ?  A 
man's  heart  may  look  one  w^ay,  whilst  his  eyes  turn  another ; 
and  I  beg  you  to  take  it  for  granted,  that  he  is  thinking  very 
much  about  you,  notwithstanding  the  imperfection  of  his  bodily 
frame  impedes  liis  treating  you  with  a  full  stare.  If  you  please, 
you  may  fancy  him  in  the  pulpit,  and  that  your  pew  happens 
to  be  rather  oi)  one  side  of  him,  which  will  fully  account  for 
his  looking  straight  forward;  as  imagining  that. his  admoni- 
tions and  reproofs  are  less  wanted  in  the  pew  on  his  right 
hand,  than  in  many  other  parts  of  the  church.  It  may,  in- 
deed, seem  somewhat  strange  that  any  one,  who  has  renoun- 
ced (or  at  least,  as  a  parson,  ought  to  be  supposed  to  have  re- 
nounced) all  dealings  with  the  black  art,  should  send  a  black 
gentleman  as  an  ambassador  and  representative.  But  strange, 
or  not  strange,  so  it  is  ;  and  here  he  comes,  and  begs  leave 
to  say  that  he  is  generally  considered  as  bearing  a  strong 
resemblance  to  his  master  ;  upon  the  strength  of  which  plea, 
he  chiefly  hopes  for  a  favorable  reception  at  your  hands." 

The  following  lines  were  written  on  the  occasion  of  the  loss 
of  a  young  midshipman  and  nine  sailors,  belonging  to  his  ma- 
jesty's ship  Leviathan,  who  were  unfortunately  drowned,  not 
far  from  his  residence  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  in  the  year  1804  : — 

Hark  to  a  voice' that  sounds  from  ocean's  caves, 
Ye  morial.--,  who  in  fancied  safety  sleej)! 
They  that  in  ships  o'erpassthe  storiity  waves, 
See  and  declare  God's  wonders  in  the  deep. 
Warned  by  our  sndden  fate,  learn  hertven  to  prize  ; 
Earth's  pleasures  fade,  her  riches  quickly  flee: 
Death  in  one  awlui  moment  closed  our  eyes, 
Tiiou  know'st  not  but  the  nextmay  summon  thee.  ^ 

We  add  some  further  specimens  of  his  poetical  efforts  : — 
A  BIRTH-DAY  THOUGHT. 

My  birth-day  of  nature  I've  oftentimes  kept, 

And  rfjoif.cd  in  the  revels  of  youth  ; 
Yet  "^t was  all  but  a  dream,  for  I  slumbered  and  slept, 

Quite  a  stranger  to  God  and  his  truth. 


But  he  pitied  my  soul,  I  awoke  from  rny  sleep, 
A  ud  he  saved  main  infinite  love  : 


52  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

A  new  birlh-day  my  Saviour  then  taught  me  to  keep, 
For  again  I  was  born  from  above. 

And  now  I  believe  that  the  God  of  all  peace  ' 

Will  be  mine  till  with  age  I  am  hoary; 
But  if  angels  r  ejoiced  at  my  birth-day  of  grace, 

How  they'll  sing  on  my  birlh-day  of  glory!  L.  R, 

"  No  cloud  can  overshadow  a  true  Christian,  but  his  faith 
will  discern  a  rainbow  in  it." — Bp.  Home. 
The  same  idea  versified  : 

What  though  a  cloud  o'ershade  my  sight, 

Big  wiih  affliction's  tear ; 
Yel  Faitli,  amidst  llie  drops  that  fall, 

Discerns  a  rainbow  tlftre. 

Epitaph  on  the  death  of  his  own  infant : — 

This  lovely  bud,  so  young,  so  fair, 

Called  hence  by  early  doom, 
Just  come  to  show  how  sweet  a  flower 

In  Paradise  would  bloom. 

By  a  reference  to  the  Diary  it  will  be  seen  that  an  allusion 
was  made  to  Mr.  Richmond's  review  of  the  late  Archdeacon 
Daubeny's  VindicicB  EcclesicB  Anglicance.'^  This  critique, 
written  in  the  year  1804,  and  inserted  in  the  Christian  Ob- 
server, claims  a  just  title  to  distinction  among  productions  of 
this  class  ;  whether  we  consider  the  ability  and  conclusiveness 
of  its  reasoning,  the  extensive  acquaintance  which  it  manifests 
with  the  writings  of  the  Reformers,  and  with  the  genuine  prin- 
ciples and  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England,  or  the  concil- 
iatory spirit  in  which  it  is  written.  Controversy  is  here  strip- 
ped of  the  arcrimonious  spirit  which  too  often  disgraces  its 
pages ;  and  truth  is  pursued  without  violating  th6  law  of  char- 
ity. By  a  writer  in  the  Critical  Review  for  June  1805,  this 
critique  is  called  "  the  most  respectable"  work  which  has  yet 
come  before  him.  "  In  delivering  this  opinion,"  he  declares 
himself  to  have  been  "  influenced  by  a  regard  to  the  author's 
experience  and  learning  on  the  matters  in  dispute,  to  the  sound- 
ness of  his  principles,  to  his  talents  as  a  reasoner,  and  to  the 
moderation  and  good  temper  with  which  he  expresses  him- 
self." He  adds,  that  the  author  "  has  manifested  a  consid- 
erable acquaintance  with  the  writings  of  the  Reformers,  and 
the  history  of  the  religious  opinions  of  their  day  :"  an3  that 
he  "  has  successfully  exposed  some  errors  of  Mr.  Daubeny, 
and  has  thrown  out  several  remarks  which  may  well  deserve 
the  attention  of  that  gentleman."    That  the  reader  may  be 


See-p.  40. 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


53 


fuUy  in  possession  of  the  circumstances  of  this  controversy,  it 
is  necessary  to  state,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Overton  had  written 
a  work,  entitled,  '  the  True  Churchman  Ascertained,'  in 
which  he  undertakes  to  vindicate  that  portion  of  the  clergy 
usually  designated  '  Evangelical,'  from  the  charges  and  insin- 
uations of  their  opponents  ;  and  to  prove  the  priority  of  their 
claim  to  the  title  of  true  churchmen,  from  their  stricter  adher- 
ence to  the  real  doctrines  of  the  church.  In  the  prosecution 
of  this  object,  the  real  sense  of  the  articles  and  doctrines  of 
the  Reformers  is  investigated  and  appealed  to  ;  and  the  con- 
clusion then  drawn  is,  that,  by  a  reference  to  this  standard,  a 
very  serious  defection  will  be  found  to  have  taken  place,  among 
many  of  the  clergy,  from  the  doctrines  of  their  own  churchy 
and  from  the  principles  established  at  the  Reformation.  A 
man  bold  enough  to  advance  a  charge  like  this,  must  naturally 
have  expected  to  create  a  host  of  adversaries,  and  must  have 
looked  for  support,  under  such  a  conflict,  to  the  sincerity  of 
his  motives,  and  the  supposed  authority  of  his  facts,  and  evi- 
dence. It  is  impossible,  however,  to  peruse  this  book,  and  not 
to  acknowledge  the  great  research,  the  acuteness  of  argu- 
ment, the  able  exposition  of  the  doctrines  and  principles  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  the  methodical  arrangement  mani- 
fested by  the  author,  in  the  execution  of  his  work  ;  which,  if 
properly  revised,  and  purified  from  some  of  the  defects  imputed 
to  it,  might  still  be  made  highly  instrumental  to  the  removal 
of  many  doctrinal  errors  in  the  present  day.  Many  living 
authors  were  specified  by  name  on  this  occasion,  and  extracts 
adduced  from  their  writings,  as  furnishing  undeniable  testimony 
of  a  departure  from  sound  doctrine.  Mr.  Daubeny  being 
classed,  and  in  some  respects  rather  unjustly,  with  others 
whose  sentiments  were  more  reprehensible  than  those  he  pro- 
fessed, came  forward,  on  his  own  behalf,  and  on  that  of  a 
large  body  of  the  clergy,  to  vindicate  himself  and  them  from 
the  charge  of  being  corrupters  of  sound  doctrine,  and  pro- 
duced his  '  Vindicise  Ecclesise  Anglicanse,'  in  reply.  It  is  this 
last  work  which  gave  rise  to  the  critique  of  Mr.  Richmond. 
Without  entering  at  large  into  the  subject,  we  shall  confine 
ourselves  to  the  selection  of  those  portions  of  it,  in  which  the 
interest  of  sound  faith  and  .vital  religion  seem  to  be  most  at 
issue. 

Though  Mr.  Daubeny  seems  in  some  places  to  distinguish 
between  baptism  and  spiritual  regeneration,  there  are  other 
passages  in  which  he  appears  to  consider  them  as  contempora- 
neous and  inseparable,  and  as  declared  to  be  so  in  the  judg. 


54 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


ment  of  our  own  church.  On  this  subject,  Mr.  Richmond  re- 
marks— "  as  to  the  expressions  which  Mr.  Daubeny  brings  for- 
ward, as  proofs  that  the  church  considers  baptism  and  regen- 
^  eration  to  be  synonymous  ;  we  would  observe,  that  the  church 
^  is  usually  made  to  speak  in  the  name  and  in  the  character 
of  that  part  of  it,  which  truly  believes  and  partakes  of  her 
saving  privileges  ;  and  when  assertions  are  made  as  to  the 
efficacy  of  the  sacraments,  the  blessing  of  church  communion, 
the  state  of  the  departed,  and  other  important  articles  of 
Chrintian  hope  and  belief,  whether  it  be  in  the  iorm  of  public 
prayer,  homilies,  articles,  apologies,  or  catechisms,  it  is  pre- 
sumed thai  all  who  unite  in  the  use  af  her  forms  of  worship,  and 
are  not,  by  open  and  known  delinquency,  worthy  of  excommuni- 
cation, are  really  such  as  we  hope  and  pray  they  should  be. 
There  is  clearly  a  very  wide  distinction  between  the  expres- 
sion of  a  general  hope,  and  a  determination  as  to  each  indivi- 
dual case.  Without  the^  former,  no  public  forms  can  be 
drawn  up  ;  but  we  cannot  hazard  the  latter,  without  wholly 
mistaking  the  nature  of  the  Christian  covenant. 

"  The  Church  of  England,  in  her  office  of  infant  baptism, 
certainly  presumes  on  the  regeneration  of  every  baptized 
child.  But  she  does  the  same,  in  the  office  for  those  of  riper 
years,  respecting  every  adult  who  is  baptized.  In  the  latter 
case,  however,  it  is  clearly  a  charitable  presumption  ;  and  the 
exact  parallelism  of  the  two  forrnS|furnishes  good  ground  for 
supposing  that  it  is  the  same  in  the  former.  If  regeneration 
is  to  be  considered  as  always  accompanying  the  rite  of  bap- 
tism, we  shall  be  brought  to  the  dilemma  of  admitting  that  an 
insincere  adult,  who,  though  he  professes,  yet  does  not  pos- 
sess, the  requisites  of  faith  and  repentance,  must  nevertheless 
be  regenerated  without  either :  contrary  to  the  express  doctrine 
of  scripture  and  of  the  church." 

This  explanation,  if  rightly  considered,  would  solve  the 
diiiiculty  on  this  much  agitated  subject.  It  is  the  principle 
which  pervades  all  our  services  ;  nor  can  they  be  understood, 
or  defended,  on  any  other  supposition.  They  are  framed 
throughout  on  the  presumption  that  all  her  worshippers  are^ 
sincere,  and  as  such,  she  addresses  them  in  terms  appropriate 
to  true  believers.  If  we  examine  the  construction  of  the  ser- 
vices of  the  church,  and  study  their  design  and  import,  we 
shall  see,  that  whether  it  be  in  the  rite  of  baptism,— of  con- 
firmation,— of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper, — in  the 
solemnization  of  matrimony, — in  the  visitation  of  the  sick, — 
or  in  the  final  close  of  all  earthly  offices,  the  burial  of  the 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


55 


dead, — the  language  of  devotional  feeling  is  indiscriminately- 
put  into  the  mouth  of  the  living,  and  that  of  faith  and  hope  is 
expresyive  of  her  sentiments,  for  .  the  dead.  If  truth  seem  to 
be  somev/hat  violated  hy  this  arrangement,  because  it  is 
impossible  •  to  suppose  that  all  are  truly  partakers  of  the 
character  and  privileges  ascribed  to  them,  we  should  bear  in 
mind  that  the  def  ct,  if  it  be  right  to  employ  such  a  term,  is 
in  fact  a  defect  of  discipline,  rather  than  an  imperfection  iii  the 
constitution  and  design  of  the  church.  Nor  can  the  formu- 
laries of  public  worship  be  correctly  modelled  on  any  other 
principle  than  that  now  apparent  in  them.  The  outward  pro- 
fession is  the  testimony  to  the  church,  and  the  warrant  for  all 
her  declarations  :  the  inward  experience  is  left  to  the  eye  and 
judgment  of  God  ;  and  thus;  presuming  that  her  worshippers 
mean  what  their  presence  and  profession  are  supposed  to 
impTy,  she  charitably  appropriates  to  each  the  language  of 
promise  and  privilege  ;  leaving  to  every  man's  conscience  to 
perform  the  faithful  office  of  an  approving  or  condemning 
monitor.  There  are,  hovv^ever,  beacons  held  out  to  guard 
against  the  consequences  of  self-delusion.  In  the  administra- 
tion of  the  Lord's  supper,  a  possibility  is  admitted  of  the  com- 
municant being  an  unworthy  partaker,  so  as  to  forfeit  the 
promised  blessing,  and  to  incur  the  threatened  guilt.  Why 
then  is  the  blessing  to  be  considered  revocable  in  the  one 
sacrament,  and  irrevocable  in  other ;  and  not,  rather,  in 
both  instances,  dependant  on  the  quo  animo  of  the  receiver, 
ajid  on  the  sincerity  and  faith  by.  which  he  is  actuated  in  the 
performance  of  the  duty  ?  That  such  is  the  supposition,  is  evi- 
dent  from  the  language  used  in  the  twenty. seventh  Article, 
wherein  baptism  is  called  "the  sign  of  regeneration,  or  new 
birth,  whereby  tliey  that  receive  baptism  rightly,  are  grafted 
into  the  church."  The  promise  is  here  applied  and  limited, 
not  to  the  right  Qchninistration,  hut  to  the  right  reception  of  hap- 
tism.  In  the  case  of  children  dying  in  infancy,  and  perhaps 
in  many  other  cases,  that  baptism  and  regeneration  may  be 
contemporaneous,  we  will  readily  admit  ;  that  they  are  so, 
under  all  circumstances,  is  as  unsupported  by  fact  as  by 
Scripture ;  for  how  can  we  suppose  a  principle  to  have  been 
communicated,  when  we  can  discover  none  of  its  evidences 
and  effects  ?  Or  how  can  the  right  be  deemed  inseparable 
from  the  blessing,  when  the  instance  of  Simon  Magus  is  a 
recorded  proof  to  the  contrary  ? 

The  following  authorities,  adduced  by  Mr.  Richmond,  are 
very  conclusive  in  shewing  how  untenable  is  the  position,  that 


56 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


the  grace  of  the  sacrament  is  inseparable  from  its  adminis- 
tration. 

"  '  Grace  sometimes  goes  before  a  sacrament,  sometimes 
follows  it,  and  sometimes  does  not  follow  it.'* — Theodoret. 

"  St.  Augustin,  commenting  on  the  passage,  '  they  all  drank 
the  same  spiritual  drink,  but  with  some  of  them  God  was  not 
well  pleased,'  makes  the  following  remark  :  '  Though  all  the 
sacraments  were  common  to  all,  yet  the  grace,  wliich  is  the 
virtue  of  the  sacraments,  was  not  common  to  all.  As  it  is 
also  now,  under  a  dispensation  which  was  not  then  known,  the 
laver  of  regeneration  is  common  to  all  that  are  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  but  ihe  grace 
itself  belonging  to  the  sacrament,  by  which  the  members  of  the 
body  of  Christ  are  regenerate  with  their  head,  is  not  common  to 

"St.  Chrysostom  observes,  'Many^are  baptized  with* wa- 
ter, who  are  not  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  they  seem 
to  be  the  sons  of  God  in  respect  to  their  baptism,  but,  ijideed, 
they  are  not  the  sons  of  God,  because  they  are  not  baptized  with 
the  Holy  Ghost, 'X 

"  St.  Jerome  has  a  similar  passage,  in  his  Commentary  on 
the  third  chapter  of  the  Galatians. 

The  remark  of  Hooker  is  very  justly  and  powerfully  express- 
ed  :  '  They  (the  sacraments)  contain  in  themselves  no  vital 
force  of  efficacy  :  they  are  not  physical,  but  moral  instruments 
af  salvation  ;  duties  of  service  and  worship  ;  which  unless  we 
perform  as  the  Author  of  grace  requireth,  they  are  unprofita- 
ble. For  all  receive  not  the  grace  of  God,  ichich  receive  the  sa- 
craments of  his  grace.^^  There  are  other  passages,  where  he 
speaks  very  strongly  of  the  grace  consequent  on  the  use  of  the 
sacraments,  but  he  is  always  to  be  understood  as  limiting  their 
application  to  the  persons  of  believers.  Nay,  so  explicit  is  he 
in  annexing  the  promise  of  the  grace  to  the  fulfilment  of  the 
required  conditions,  that  he  does  not  scruple,  in  another  part, 
to  declare,  that  '  he  which  is  not  a  Christian  before  he  come 

*  "  Gratia  sacramenlum  aliquando  praecedit,  aliquando  sequitur,  aliquando 
nee  sequitur." 

tOmnes  eundem  polntn  spiritnalem  biherunt,  sed  non  in  omnibus  bene 
placilum  est  Deo  :  et  cum  es?eni  omnia  cummunia  saoramenta,  non  communis 
erat  omnil)us  gratia,  quae  ?acrainentorum  virfus  e.-^t.  Sicur  et  nunc.  jai?i 
revelata  fide  quae  tunc  velabatur,  omnibus  in  nominie  Patris  et  Filii  et  Spiri- 
tus  Sancti  baptizatis  commune  est  lavacrum  l  esenerationis,  sed  ipsa  gratia, 
cupis  sunt  sacramenta  qua  meynbra  corporis  Christi  cum  stio  capita  regenerata 
sunt,  non  commu7ds  est  omnibus. 
'  J  See  his  fiftli  Homily  on  St.  Matthew. 

^  See  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  book  5,  p.  273,  folio  edit. 


KEV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


57 


to  receive  baptism,  cannot  be  made  a  Christian  by  baptism  ; 
which  is  only  the  seal  of  the  grace  of  God  before  received.'  "* 

To  the  above  quotations  might  be  added,  a  very  conclusive 
remark  from  Bishop  Latimer,  one  of  the  Reformers.  Christ 
saith,"  he  observes,  "  '  except  a  man  be  born  again  from 
above,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.'  He  must  have  a 
regeneration  :  and  what  is  this  regeneration  ?  It  is  not  to  he 
christened  in  water  (as  these  fire-brands  expound  it)  andnoilwig 
else.  How  is  it  to  be  expounded  then  ?  St.  Peter  sheweth, 
that  one  place  of  Scripture  declareth.  another.  It  is  the  cir- 
cumstance and  collation  of  places  that  make  Scripture  plain. 
St.  Peter  saith,  '  we  be  born  again.'  How  ?  '  Not  by  a  mor- 
tal seed,  but  by  an  immortal.'  AVhat  is  this  immortal  seed? 
By  the  word  of  the  living  God,  hij  the  word  of  God  preached 
and  opened :  thus  cometh  in  our  new  birth.'^-f  Latimer  here 
attributes  regeneration  to  its  true  source,  to  the  efficacy  of 
God's  word  on  the  heart  and  conscience ;  and,  by  his  sarcas- 
tic  remark,  evidently  considers  the  doctrine  of  a  baptismal  and 
spiritual  regeneration  as  a' Popish  error,  the  opus  operatum  of 
the  Church  of  Rome. 

The  part  of  Mr.  Daubeny's  work  in  which  he  most  disco- 
vers the  error  of  his  doctrinal  sentiments,  is,  where  he  ysserts 
that  the  faith  which  justifies,  is  neither  naturally  nor  necessa- 
rily productive  of  good  works,  and  that  there  may  be  even  "  a 
firm  belief  in  Christ,  as  the  whole  and  sole  cause  of  salva- 
tion," which  may  convey  to  the  professing  party  his  original 
interest  in  the  merits  of  Christ ;  and  which,  nevertheless,  may 
be  unfruitful  and  inoperative.:): 

In  reference  to  this  remark,  Mr.  Richtjiond  observes,  "on 
a  right  understanding  of  this  doctrine,  and  of  its  real  efficacy 
on  the  heart  of  the  believer,  stands  the  very  foundation  of  pure 
and  undefiled  religion.  No  point  can  be  more  clearly  laid 
down  by  our  Reformers  and  early  divines,  than  that  it  is  one 
and  the  same  faith,  which  unites  us  to  Christ, — which  justi- 
fies,— which  saves, — which  gives  to  the  penitent  and  believing 
sinner  his  title  to  the  heavenly  inheritance, — and  which  puri- 
fies and  renders  him  meet  for  the  possession  of  it."  To  prove 
that  the  faith  which  justifies  is  not  inoperative,  he  then  refers 
largely  to  the  book  of  Homilies,  from  which  we  select  the  fol- 
lowing passages. 

*  See  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  book  5,  p.  276. 

t  Faihers  of  tlie  Englisli  Cliurch,  vol.  ii.  p.  654. 

t  Vindiciae  Ecclesiae  Anglicaiiae,  p.  359. 

6 


58 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


"  The  right  and  true  Christian  faith  is,  not  only  to  believe 
that  holy  Scripture,  and  all  the  aforesaid  articles  of  our  faith, 
are  true  ;  but  also  to  have  a  sure  trust  and  confidence  in  God's 
merciful  promises,  to  be  saved  from  everlasting  damnation  by 
Chrict ;  whereof  doth  follow  a  loving  heart,  to  obey  his  com- 
mandments.* 

"  Faith  doth  not  lie  dead  in  the  lieart,  but  is  lively  and  fruit- 
ful in  bringing  forth  good  works. j" 

"  As  the  light  cannot  be  hid,  but  will  show  forth  itself,  at 
one  place  or  other;  sq  a  true  faith  cannot  be  kept  secret; 
but,  wiien  occasion  is  offered,  it  will  break  out  and  shew  itself 
by  good  works. 

"  There  be  two  kinds  of  faith  ;  a  dead  and  unfruitful  faith  ; 
and  a  faith  lively,  that  worketh  by  charity.  The  fir§t  is  un- 
profitable :  the  second  necessary  for  the  obtaining  of  our  sal- 
vation :  -the  which  faith  hath  charity  always  joined  unto  it;  and 
is  fruitful,  and  bringeth  forth  all  good  works. 

"  The  true,  lively,  and  Christian  faith,  is  no  dead,  vain,  or 
unfruitful  thing  ;  but  a  thing  of  perfect  virtue,  of  wonderful 
operation  or  working,  and  strength,  bringing  forth  all  good 
motions  and  good  works. 

"  Now,  forasmuch  as  he  that  believeth  in  Christ  hath  ever- 
lasting life,  it  must  needs  consequently  follow,  that  he  that 
hath  this  faith,  must  have  also  good  works,  and  be  studious  to 
observe  God's  commandments  obediently. 

"  As  soon  as  a  man  hath  faith,  anon  he  shall  flourish  in  good 
works  ;  for  faith  of  itself  is  full  of  good  works,  and  nothing  is 
good  without  faith." 

In  the  works  of 'Jindal  the  reformer,  there  is  the  following 
description  of  the  true  and  justifying  faith,  as  con-tradistin- 
guished  from  a  mere  notional  and  professional  faith. 

"  Right  faith  is  a  thing  wrought  by  the  Holy  Ghost  in  us, 
wbich  changeth  us,  turneth  us  into  a  new  nature,  and  beget- 
teth  us  anew  in  God,  and  maketh  us  the  sons  of  God  ;  and 
killeth  the  old  Adam,  and  maketh  us  altogether  new  in  the 
heart,  mind,  will,,Just,  and  in  all  other  aflTections  and  powers  of 
the  soul ;  The  Holy  Ghost  ever  accompanying  her,  and  ruling 
the  heart.  Faith  is  a  lively  thing  ;  mighty  in  working,  valiant 
and  strong  ;  .ever  doing,  ever  fruitful ;  so  that  it  is  impossible 
that  he  which  is  endued  therewith,  should  not  work  always  good 
works,  without  ceasing.^ 'X 

*  Homily  on  Salvation,  p.  25. 

t  Homily  on  Faitli,  first  part,  p.  29.  See  also  the  Homily  on  Faith  and  Good 
Works,  for  llie  sub<eqiKMit  quotations. 
X  See  Fatliers  of  the  Engl  sh  Church,  vol,  i.  p.  51. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


59 


Without  multiplying  quotations  from  Cranmer,  Jewell, 
Hooker,  and  others,  we  shall  only  add  the  testimony  borne  by 
the  twelfth  x\rticle.  "  Albeit  that  good  works,  which  are  the 
fruits  of  faith,  and  follow  after  justification,  cannot  put  away 
our  sins,  and  endure  the  severity  of  God's  judgment  ;  yet  are 
they  pleasing  and  acceptable  to  God  in  Christ,  and  do  spring 
out  necessarily  of  a  tme  and  lively  faith  ;  insomuch  thai  by 
them  a  lively  faith  may  he  as  evidently  known,  as  a  tree  discern- 
ed hy  the  fruit.'' 

We  close  these  extracts  with  the  following  scriptural  au- 
thorities : — "  Whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh  the 
world ;  and  this  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world, 
ev'en  our  faith.''  "  Who  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world, 
but  he  that  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God  ?" — 
1  John  V.  4,  5.  "  Purifying  their  hearts  by  failh." — Acts 
XV.  9.  "  Faith,  which  worketh  by  love." — Gal.  v.  6.  Many 
other  passages  might  be  quoted  :  see  John  i.  12,  13  ;  iii.  36; 
V.  24  ;  Heb.  xi. 

We  should  not  have  indulged  in  these  lengthened  remarks, 
were  it  not  from  the  conviction  that  the  doctrinal  errors 
which  have  been  specified,  are  far  from  being  confined  to  the 
name  of  the  late  Archdeacon  Daubeny  (whom  we  would  here 
wish  to  mention  with  all  the  tenderness  and  respect  due  to  his 
character  and  virtues  ;)  but  they  still  exist  to  no  inconsiderable 
extent.  It  is  impossible  not  to  admit,  that  on  the  subject  of 
faith  and  works  there  is  a  great  indistinctness  and  ambiguity 
of  language  ;  much  misconception  as  to  their  order  and  prece- 
dence, and  that  the  nature  and  properties  of  a  justifying  faith 
are  not  sufiiciently  distinguished  from  a  mere  notional  faith, 
or  speculative  assent  of  the  understanding,  unaccompanied 
by  any  of  its  genuine  effects  on  the  heart  apd  life.  Yet  if 
this  doctrine,  as  it  has  been  asserted  by  one  of  its  most  cele- 
brated champions,*  be  the  "  articulus  stantis  vel  cadentis  Ec- 
clesioi,''  that  important  article  of  faith,  on  the  right  under- 
standing of  which  every  church  must  stand  or  fall,  how  can 
we  contemplate  the  existence  of  so  fundamental  an  error,  in 
any  of  the  ministers  of  our  own  church,  without  the  most 
anxious  forebodings  as  to  its  ultimate  consequences? 

Again,  if  we  are  told  that  in  bapiism  all  are  regenera- 
ted, though  we  see  thousands  who  have  been  baptized  ex- 
hibiting no  traces  of  a  renewed  heart  or  holy  life,  how  can 
we  reconcile  the  contrariety  of  the  fact  with  the  existence 


*  Luther. 


60 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  the  principle,  or  with  the  positive  declaration  of  Scripture, 
whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  sin,  for  his  seed 
remaineth  in  him  ;  and  he  cannot  sin  (that  i&  to  say,  cannot 
wilfully  and  habitually  sin,)  because  he  is  born  of  God?" — 
1  John  iii.  9.  To  refer  the  members  of  the  visible  church 
to  regeneration  at  baptism,  as  alone  sufficient  to  accredit 
their  pretensions  to  the  Christian  character,  is,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  Mr.  Richmond,  and  of  the  writer  of  this  memoir, 
to  present  a  fatal  opiate  to  their  consciences,  and  to  nuHify  a 
most  solemn  and  necessary  admonition  (given,  let  il  he  observ- 
ed,to  the  baptized,) Examine  yourselves,  whether  ye  be  in  the 
faith."— 2  Cor.  xiii.  5. 

It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  Mr.  Richmond  never  un- 
»  dertook  the  exposure  of  these  errors,  and  of  others  that 
might  be  nientioned,  on  a  more  extended  scale  ;  fitted  as  he 
was  for  the  task,  by  his  extensive  research,  his  matured 
experience,  his  acknov/ledged  powers,  and  the  benignity  of 
his  character.  We  cannot  furnish  d  stron<?;er  evidelice  of 
the  Christian  spirit,  divested  of  all  party  feeling,  that  would 
have  influenced  him  iii  the  execution  of  such  a  work,  than 
in  laying  before  the  reader  the  concluding  passages  of  his 
Review.  After  having  vindicated  the  construction,  attri- 
buted by  Mr.  Overton  to  the  articles  of  the  Church  of  Eng. 
land,  of  a  inodijicxl  Calvinism,  remote  from  all  objectionable 
extremes,  he  burst  forth  into  the  following  animated  and  Chris- 
tian strain  : — 

"  Are,  then,  the  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England  to  be 
considered  as  Calvinistic  ? — Certainly  not ;  if  by  that  expres- 
sion the  assertion  of  all  Calvin's  peculiarities  is  intended. 
Are  they  then  Arminian  ? — No,  by  no  means  ;  if  a  similar 
mode  of  defining  that  term  is  to  be  employed.  But  are  we 
hence  to  infer  that  none  are  to  be  admitted  within  the 
pale  of  the  church,  who  think  with  either  the  one  or  the 
other  of  these  eminent  divines,  on  the  points  at  issue  between 
them  ?  This  would  be  a  very  unfounded  conclusion.  The 
qualifications  requisite  to  form  a  sound  member  of  the  Church 
of  England,  do  not  by  any  means  turn  on  the  avowal  or  re- 
jection of  the  avowed  dogmas  of  Calvin  or  Arminius.  Who, 
may  we  not  ask,  is  Calvin  ?  or,  who  is  Arminius  ?  Were 
they  crucified  for  us,  or  were  we  baptized  in  their  name  ? 
We  have  only  one  master  to  whom  we  owe  subjection,  even 
Christ.  Do  we  believe  and  rely  on  him  as  our  only  Saviour  ? 
Are  we  humbled  before  God,  under  a  deep  sense  of  our  sin- 
fulness, and  of  our  innumerable  transgrressions  of  his  law  ? 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND.  61 

Conscious  of  merited  wrath,  are  we  making  Jesus  Christ 
our  sole  refuge  ;  and  is  our  every  hope  of  pardon,  acceptance, 
and  final  salvation,  founded  on  his  obedience,  saciitice, 
mediation,  and  intercession?  Conscious  of  our  natural 
ignorance  and  weakness,  are  we  exercising  an  habitual  de- 
pendence on  the  Holy  Spirit  for  light  and  strength  ?■  Through 
his  power,  are  we  striving  to  be  delivered  from  all  sin,  and  to 
obtain  the  renewal  of  our  hearts  to  holiness  after  ihe  image 
of  God  ?  Are  we  living  as  those  ought  to  do,  who  are  look- 
ing  for  death  and  judgment,  and  who  are  candidates  for  a 
heavenly  crown  ?  Are  we  obeying  Christ  as  our  supreme 
Lord  ?  Is  love  to  God  the  predominant  affection  of  our  souls  ; 
and  does  it  produce  the  fruit  of  cheerful,  unremitting,  and 
unreserved  obedience  ?  Do  we  feel  the  force  of  gr^ititude  lo 
our  God  and  Saviour  inciting  us  to  the  cultivation  of  all  holy, 
heavenly,  and  devout  atfections  ;  and  to  the  performance  of 
every  civil,  social  and  relative  duty  ?  Are  we  at  the  same 
time  diligently  using  the  means  whidi  God  has  instituted  in 
his  church  for  our  growth  in  grace,  and  advancement  in  the 
knowledge  and  in  the  love  of  God?  Do  we  constantly  fre- 
quent  his  courts?  Do  we  attend  the  table  of  the  Lord?  Do 
we  read  and  hear  his  word,  with  an  earnest  desire  to  be 
made  acquainted  with  his  will?  Are  we  habitually  watchful 
over  our  hearts  and  lives,  and  assiduous  in  the  work  of  self- 
examination  ?  And  to  all  these  means  of  improvement,  do 
we  add  unceasing  and  fervent  prayer  to  the  God  and  Fa- 
ther  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  he  would  pardon  our 
sins  for  the  sake  his  Son  ;  that  he  would  sanctify  us  wholly  ; 
and  through  the  blood  of  the  everlastins  covenant,  w^ould 
make  us  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will  ?  These 
are  the  more  decisive  marks,  by  which  our  true  churchman- 
ship  is  to  be  ascertained.  May  every  one  who  reads  them, 
have  a  testimony  in  his  own  conscience,  that  they  are  fairly 
descriptive  of  his  character." 

His  admonitions  to  those  engaged  in  controversy  are  thus 
impressively  delivered  : — 

"  What  will  it  avail  them  in  the  great  day  of  account,  when 
the  contentions  which  now  agitate  their  minds,  shall  sink  into 
absolute  insignificance, — shall  be  as  if  they  had  never  been 
— what  will  it  then  avail  them  to  have  vanquished  their  ad- 
versaries  by  the  superiority  of  their  polemical  skill,  if,  unhap. 
pily  imbibing  the  baneful  spirit  of  controversy,  they  shall  be 
found  to  have  violated  that  brotherly  love,  which  forms  a 
distinguished  badge  of  the  real  followers  of  Jesus  Christ  ? 
6* 


63 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


*  Certainly,'  as  the  pious  bishop  Hall  has  observed,  *  God 
abides  none  but  charitable  dissentions  ;  those  that  are  well 
grounded  and  well  governed  ;  grounded  upon  just  causes,  and 
governed  with  Christian  charity  and  wise  moderation  ;  those 
whose  beginning  is  equity,  and  whose  end  is  peace.  If  we 
must  ditier,  let  these  be  the  conditions  ;  let  every  one  of  God's 
ministers  be  ambitious  of  that  praise  which  Gregory  Nazian- 
zen  gives  to  Athanasius  ;  to  be  an  adamant  to  tliem  that  strike 
him,  and  a  loadstone  to  them  that  dissent  from  him  ;  the  one 
not  to  be  moved  with  wrong, — the  other  to  draw  those  heart* 
which  disagree.  So  the  fruit  of  righteousness  shall  be  sown 
in  peace  of  them  that  make  peace.  So  the  God  of  peace 
shall  have  glory,  the  church  of  God  rest,  and  our  souls  un- 
speakable consolation  and  joy,  in  the  day  of  the  appearing  of 
our  Lord  Jesus.'  "* 


CHAPTER  VL 

His  removal  from  the  Isle  of  Wight— Temporary  connexion  wiJh  the  Lock  Hospita?, 
in  London— and  final  settlement  at  Turvey. 

A  CHANGE  of  residence,  and  of  his  sphere  of  labor,  is,  to  a 
minister,  at  all  times  a  subject  for  grave  deliberation.  He 
can  take  no  step,  in  the  consequences  of  which,  others  are  not 
deeply  involved  as  well  as  himself.  In  no  instance  does  he 
stand  alone  :  his  principles,  habits,  and  conduct,  wheresoever 
he  goes,  exercise  their  powerful  effects  on  all  around  him  ; 
and  he  is  the  star,  by  whose  genial  or  unfriendly  influence, 
their  present,  as  well  as  future  destiny,  is  in  a  great  measure  ta 
be  determined.  It  is  this  truth  which  constitutes  the  moral  re- 
sponsibility attendant  on  the  acceptance  of  a  new  appointments 
If  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  conversion  of  immortal  souls,  are 
the  grand  objects  of  which,  as  a  minister,  he  is  never  to  lose 
sight  ;  nothing  less  than  a  deliberate  and  well-founded  con- 
viction that  these  are  likely  to  be  promoted  by  the  step  con- 
templated, ought  to  determine  his  removal,  more  especially 
from  a  scene  where  his  labors  have  been  owned  and  blessed. 

So  long,  however,  as  we  are  assured  that  "  the  Lord  order- 
eth  a  good  man's  goings,"  and  "  appointeth  the  bounds  of  his 
habitation  ;"  the  indications  of  his  will,  and  the  openings  of 
his  providence,  rightly  interpreted,  will  ever  form  the  best 
guide  and  ground  ibr  his  determination.    It  was  under  the 


*  See  Hall's  Peacemaker,  ad finem. 


RKW  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


63 


fullest  conviction  that  he  was  pursuing  the  path  of  duty,  that 
Mr.  Richmond  was  induced  to  listen  to  the  proposition  of  as- 
sisting the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  in  his  laborious  services  as  Chap, 
lain  to  the  Lock  Hospital  in  London.  The  prospect  of  a  more 
extended  sphere  of  usefulness,  and  the  inadequacy  of  his  in- 
come  to  meet  the  demands  of  an  increasing  family,  rendered 
such  an  offer  highly  eligible  ;  and  we  shall  see  by  the  result, 
in  what  manner  his  acceptance  of  this  appointment,  short  as 
was  its  duration,  providentially  led  the  way  to  all  the  subse- 
quent events  of  his  life.  He  proceeded,  therefore,  to  London, 
to  confer  on  the  subject  of  this  new  arrangement,  and  preach- 
ed his  first  sermon  from  the  following  text : — "  But  of  him  are 
ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and 
righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemption."  1  Cor. 
i,  30. 

Some  extracts  from  letters  written  to  his  wife  at  this  time,  ' 
previously  to  the  removal  of  his  family  from  Brading,  will 
throw  a  light  on  a  few  of  the  circumstances  connected  with 
this  change  of  his  residence  and  ministry. 

London,  Febmary  5,  1805. 

*'I  think  I  may  say,  I  am  determined-  to  try  this  situation- 
The  Lord  seems  to  give  me  such  tokens  of  affection,  friend- 
ship, and  acceptableness,  amongst  the  congregation  of  the 
Lock,  and  points  out  so  many  spiritual  advantages,  tfiough 
mingled  with  great  trials  and  temptations,  that  I  believe  I  am 
right  in  coming  to  this  decision.  On  Wednesday  evening,  I 
preached  for  Mr.  Fry.  Several  gentlemen  spoke  to  each  of 
us,  expressing  a  hope  that  I  should  undertake  the  charge  ;  and 
one  of  them  suggested,  that  if  it  were  an  object  to  me,  he  did 
not  doubt  that  very  many  would  gladly  contribute  towards 
the  expense  of  the  removal,  and  some  increase  of  salary. 
The  hint  was  kind,  whatever  might  be  the  result.  Yesterday 
morning,  Mr.  Fry  and  I  conversed  for  a  considerable  time  to- . 
gether.  I  told  him  all  my  history  and  circumstances.  He 
seems  resolved  to  omit  nothing  which  may  contribute  to  the 
hopefulness  and  comfort  of  my  arrangement ;  and  I  really 
think  that  it  is  God's  will  that  I  should  repose  a  temporal  as 
well  as  a  spiritual  confidence  in  him.  I  called  yesterday  on 
Mr.  Wilberforce,  who  put  five  poimds  into  my  hand  to  go 
about  from  poor  to  poor  and  distribute.*  Blessed  commission! 


*  The  wisflom  of  tliis  modo  of  floin?^  ?ood,  mu?t  al  once  commend  it-self 
to  those,  wlio  :iie  aware  of  the  circiims'aoces  in  wliicli  clergymen  avo  fre- 
quently placed  relative  to  the  poor.    Their  parochial  duties  bring  to  their 


64 


MEMOIRS  OP  THE 


I  am  to  dine  there  to-day,  and  to  take  leave  of  the  Dean  of 
Carlisle,  who  g  'es  to  Cambridge  to-morrow.  No  two  men 
ever  harmonized  more  sweetly  in  opinion,  views,  taste,  judg- 
ment, &;c.  than  Mr.  Fry  and  myself.  Our  friendship  is  form- 
ing  andconfirming  on  the  best  grounds,  I  trust.  You  will  judge 
how  little  able  I  am  to  see  many  friends,  or  to  do  any  thing 
but  labor  in  my  vocation,  when  I  tell  you  that  I  am  to  preach 
twice  on  Good  Friday,  twice  on  Easter  Sunday,  once  on 
Easter  Tuesday,  and,  perhaps,  Easter  Monday,  and  even  next 
AVednesday.  You  cannot  write  too  often  ;  the  sight  of  your 
letters  cheers  and  delights  me.  I  wish  I  could  play  on  the 
ground  for  half  an  hour  with  the  children." 

"  Lo7idon,  Sunday,  April  15, 1805. 

"I  begin  a  few  lines  to  you,  my  dearly. beloved  wife,  in  the 
interval  between  my  two  services ;  and  I  can  hardly  give  any 
other  reason,  than  that  my  mind  is  worked  up  to  a  high  state 
of  agitation,  by  meditating  and  preparing  to  preach  to-night, 
from  John  v,  28,  29,  and  it  wants  a  few  minutes'  relief.  The 
subject  is  truly  solemn  ;  and  the  manner  in  which  I  propose  to 
treat  it,  will  be  very  trying  and  awful  both  to  me  and  my 
hearers.  I  preached  to  an  overflowing  congregation,  this 
morning,  from  Philip,  iii,  10;  — it  cost  me  great  thought  and 
pains  : — I  administered  the  sacrament  to  near  two  hundred 
persons.  I  have  been  meditating  for  two  hours,  on  death,  judg. 
ment,  heaven,  and  hell.  I  feel  that  in  the  pulpit  I  shall  either 
deliver  myself  with  very  little,  or  very  great  feeling  and  effect. 
Oh  !  for  a  heart  to  feel  more  for  myself  and  others  ; — what  a 
poor,  cold,  miserable  creature  I  feel  myself  to  be  ;  I  am  some- 
times constrained  to  cry  out — and  can  such  a  worthless  being 
be  saved  ? — yet  there  is  worth  in  Jesus  for  the  most  worthless. 
God  make  me  to  experience  fully  the  power  of  his  resurrec- 
tion, lest  when  I  have  preached  to  others,  I  myself  should 
become  a  cast-away.  Adieu  for  the  present, — perhaps  I  may 
add  a  few  lines  before  I  go  to  bed. 

*'  Sunday  night,  ten  o'clock. — My  sermon  proved  very  sol- 
emn, and  brought  forth  very  copious  tears  from  many  eyes.  I 

noiice  peculiar  cases  of  want,  wiiich  ought  not  to  be  made  jiublic.  So  limited, 
peneraily,  are  their  own  re>()urces,  tliat  nnless  funds  are  in  tiiis  way  put  at 
their  dis>pf)sal,  many  of  God's  own  children  may  he  left  to  sufier.  It  is  the 
practice  of  some  churches,  to  pul  portions  of  money  in  the  hands  of  their  Pas- 
tor, for  (listril)ntion  amon^  such  destitute  members  as  may  come  under  iiis  spe- 
cial notice  in  addition  to  ilie  appropriations  wiiicii  the  Deacons  are  ex- 
pected to  make.  Some  ciuirchesare  too  poor  to  furnish  such  funds.  How 
proper  then,  that  tlie  wealthy  should  remember  and  imitate  this  example  of 
Wilberfo»ce.--.4OT€r.  Ed, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^'D. 


65 


trembled  inwardly,  whilst  I  painted  the  resurrection  and  pun- 
ishment of  condemned  souls  ;  and  the  effect  was  very  striking 
on  a  most  numerous  and  attentive  congregation.  I  am  sitting 
up  to  think  about  a  sermon  for  to-morrow  morning. 

"  3Ionday  morning,  five  o'clock. — Yesterday,  at  the  sacra- 
ment, 1  observed  kneeling  at  the  rails,  close  to  Mr.  Wilber- 
force,  a  negro.  I  was  much  struck,  and  many  interesting  as- 
sociations filled  my  mind.  I  find  also,  that  it  was  quite  acci- 
dental,  and  that  Mr.  W.  knpws  nothing  of  him.  Last  night  I 
dwelt  on  the  meeting  of  husbands,  wives,  parents,  and  chil- 
dren at  the  resurrection,  and  thought  deeply  of  you  and  your 
babes ;  in  fact,  I  wept :  I  saw  the  tears  of  others  responding 
to  my  own." 

While  he  was  thus  engao-ed  in  the  duties  and  arrangements 
attendant  on  his  new  appointment,  the  following  letter  will 
prove  that  in  dispensing  spiritual  instruction  to  others,  he  was 
not  unmindful  of  what  he  owed  to  one,  whose  happiness  and 
welfare  were  so  nearly  connected  with  his  own. 

*'  London,  April  20,  1805. 
"  My  dear  Wife, — I  really  feel  it  as  an  answer  to  very  many 
prayers  which  I  have  for  years  past  ofiered  up  for  you,  that 
you  are  now  seriously  thinking  on  the  all-important  subject  of 
religion.  I  trust  you  will  henceforth  become  my  spiritual 
monitor  and  counsellor,  my  helpmate  in  every  good  word  and 
work,  and  my  wife  indeed,  united  in  grace  as  well  as  in  pro- 
vidence. With  respect  to  the  inward  conflicts  and  doubts 
which  you  entertain  in  your  mind,  you  must  seek  spiritual  ar- 
mor to  fight  the  battle.  Remember,  that  if  you  truly  desire 
to  overcome  all  the  evil  tempers,  affections,  desires  and  prin- 
ciples  of  your  natural  heart,  you  have  an  evidence  within,  that 
God  must  have  wrought  it,  and  that  he  will  not  suffer  you  to 
be  tempted  above  what  you  are  able  to  bear,  but  will,  with  the 
temptation,  make  a  way  to  escape.  With  respect  to  prayer, 
I  recommend  you  to  Qonsider  the  precept  of  '  pray  always  and 
without  ceasing.'  This  evidently  refers  to  that  perpetual  dis- 
position of  the  heart  to  lift  itself  up  in  sudden,  short,  ejacula- 
tory  prayer,  which  is  one  of  the  most  necessary  means  and 
proofs  of  grace.  It  is  this  alone  which  can  render  the  ap- 
pointed and  regular  devotions  of  the  church,  the  famih-,  and 
the  closet,  lively,  strong,  and  efficacious.  Satan  will  lose 
much  of  his  strong  hold,  if  you  thus  laboriously  strive  to  oh- 
tain  a  prayerful  frame  of  heart,  an  habitual  meditation  upon 


66 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Christ  and  eternity,  a  frequency  of  conversing  on  sacred 
things,  and  above  all,  experimental  contemplation  and  con- 
versation. The  world  is  a  deadly  enemy  to  spiritual  attain- 
ment ;  you  cannot  too  soon  see  the  high  importance  of  being 
less  conformed  to  it,  in  all  its  vanities,  vices,  follies,  and  un- 
profitable waste  of  time,  gifts,  and  talents.  The  Christian  will 
appear,  even  in  the  simplicity  of  every  personal  ornament. 
The  dress,  the  countenance,  the  tone  of  voice,  the  address, 
will  lose  its  former  levity  ;  and  in  the  minutest  trifles  of  com- 
mon  life,  you  will  see  the  hand  of  God  leading  to  important 
events,  and  his  finger  pointing  to  the  life  that  is  to  come.  I 
have  just  been  praying  most  earnestly,  that  God  may  carry 
on  such  a  work  in  your  heart.  The  grand  work  of  all  is,  to 
believe.  This  is  the  root  and  fountain  of  all  other  graces.  That 
believing  look  at  the  Saviour  which  sees  an  interest  in  him,  or 
which  at  least  leads  to  full  conviction,  both  of  his  sufficiency 
and  efficiency  to  save  our  own  souls,  is  the  master  work  of 
God.  May  you  be  led  fully  to  see  this,  and  in  God''s  own  time 
to  rejoice  in  it.  Accustom  yourself  to  talk  constantly  with  Nu- 
gent and  Mary  on  the  substantial  parts  of  Christianity,  and  ap- 
peal to  those  little  instances  of  experience  which  even  a  child 
may  comprehend.  I  wrote  to  you  yesterday,  and  hope  you 
have  got  my  letter.  1  have  this  instant  received  your's  of 
Tuesday.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  leave  London  by  the  time  you 
mention.  The  three  things  which  I  have  to  settle,  if  possible, 
are — the  house,  the  furniture,  and  a  successor  ;  and  I  do  hope 
another  week  will  arrange  the  two  former.  I  only  fear  for 
the  latter,  and  this  makes  me  uneasy  ;  however,  as  I  shall  re- 
tain the  curacy  till  Christmas,  there  is  still  time  and  opportu- 
nity ;  but  much  depends  on  a  desirable  substitute  for  the  sum- 
mer, otherwise  all  might  be  overthrown. 

*'  Saturday  morning,  six  o'clock. — 1  went  yesterday  to  the 
Hospital,  and  spent  three  hours  in  very  close  inspection  of  the 
miserable  objects  whom  it  contains.  I  have  now  resolved  on 
taking  the  house.  It  is  in  Chester  Street,  about  a  hundred 
yards  from  the  Lock  ;  it  is  surrounded. by  fields,  has  a  very 
pleasant  prospect,  charming  air,  great  retirement  and  quiet- 
ness, with  a  little  garden,  a  remarkable  neat  exterior,  and  as 
neat  and  comfortable  an  interior. 

Our  final  removal,  if  we  can  get  a  curate,  must  be  in  the 
middle  of  June.  I  am  asked,  and  have  consented  to  preach 
the  Charity  Sermon  at  Newport,  on  May  16th.  I  must  once 
more  assure  you,  that  I  shall  not  stay  a  day  longer  than  abso- 
lute  business  requires.    I  trust  our  separation  has  been  for 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOIN'D. 


67 


the  best,  and  that  our  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns,  our 
views  and  resolutions,  tempers  and  prHicii)les,  will  all  tl  rive 
and  prosper  tor  the  better.  God  bless  tbe  dear  children. 
Kind  regards  to  your  fire-side,  from  your  truly  affectionate 
husband,  L.  RiCHMorsD." 

Mr.  Richmond's  connexion  with  the  Lock  chapel  was  not 
of  long  duration.  A  few  weeks  after  his  engngement,  the 
rector  of  Turvey  in  Bedfordshire  became  vacant  by  the  death 
of  the  late  Rev.  Erasmus  Middleton,  author  of"  Biographia 
Evangelica.^'  Mrs.  Fuller,  an  eminently  pious  lady,  was  at 
that  period  in  possession  of  the  partronage  of  this  benefice  ; 
and  being  desirous  of  conscientiously  fulfilling  the  important 
and  sacred  trust  committed  to  her,  she  wrote  to  the  late  Am- 
brose  Serle,  Esq.  one  of  the  commissioners  of  the  Transport 
Office,  author  of"  Horce  Solitario!,'^  and  many  other  vahiable 
works,  stating  that  as  she  was  much  indebted  to  him  for  the 
benefit  she  had  received  from  his  writings,  she  would  present 
the  rectory  of  Turvey  to  any  clergyman,  of  similar  sentiments 
with  himself  whom  he  might  choose  to  recommend.  Mr.  Serle, 
who  at  that  time  attended  the  Lock  chapel  as  his  constant 
place  of  worship,  immediately  fixed  on  Mr.  Richmond  as  the 
fittest  person  among  his  clerical  friends  and  connexions  to  fill 
this  situation.  It  is,  however,  a  fact  highly  honorable  to  him, 
and  a  proof  of  the  purity  of  his  motives,  that  he  could  with 
difficulty  be  persuaded  to  accept  the  nomination.  His  feel- 
ings recal  to  mind  the  answer  of  another  truly  pious  and  ex- 
cellent  clergyman,  who  has  retused  to  exchange  a  small  curacy 
for  three  livings  successively  offered  to  him,  and  who  will  pro- 
bably from  this  circumstance  be  recognized  by  m.any  of  the 
clerical  readers  of  this  Memoir,  "  What  can  a  man  want  who 
is  useful  and  happy  ?"  And,  to  cite  the  remark  of  another 
upon  this  truly  Christian  sentiment,  "  What  can  he  want  who 
has  Christ  in  his  ministrations,  and  Christ's  love  in  his 
heart  ?" 

The  objection  which  Mr.  Richmond  made  to  his  accep- 
tance of  this  benefice,  arose  from  the  apprehension  that  he 
should  enter  a  sphere  of  much  less  usefulness  than  that  in 
which  he  was  then  engaged.  He  was  not  aware,  at  that 
time,  that  the  population  of  Turvey  consisted  of  eight  hundred 
souls. 

He  ultimately  yielded,  however,  to  the  judgment  of  his 
friends,  and  entered  on  his  labors  at  Turvey.  He  was  in- 
Ciucted  by  his  friend  Mr.  Fry,  on  the  30ih  of  July  ;  and,  with 


68 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


his  family,  went  to  reside  at  the  parsonage  in  the  month  of 
October  fjllowing.  At  the  time  of  his  induction  he  wrote  the 
following  letter  to  Mrs.  Richmond  : — 

Emberton,  July  30,  1805. 
"  My  dearest  Mary, — I  arrived  safely,  under  the  divine 
blessing,  at  this  good  man's  house  yesterday.  I  have  but  a 
few  minutes  for  a  few  lines,  but  I  must  send  those  few.  I 
went  to  Turvey  this  morning.  I  like  the  place, — I  like  the 
house,  and  I  feel  disposed  to  be  well  pleased,  in  spite  of  the 
casement  windows  which  are  very  good  of  their  kind.  I  was 
inducted  amidst  the  ringing  of  bells,  and  congregation  of 
people,  who  assembled  in  troops  to  peep  at  the  new  rector 
and  witness  the  ceremony.  The  church  is  very  handsome 
and  commodious.  The  day  is  delightful,  and  every  thing 
appeared  to  advantage.  There  are  several  conveniences 
about  the  premises.  I  shall  reserve  all  farther  particulars 
for  conversation  on  Thursday  evening,  when  I  hope  to  see 
3'ou.  To-morrow  I  go  to  Mr.  Higgins,  and  to  make  various 
inquiries  at  the  rectory  ;  and  in  the  evening  I  preach  for  Mr. 
Fry. 

"  My  first  impression  of  all  the  premises  at  Turvey  was 
a  favorable  one  ;  and  I  am  persuaded  all  may  be  comfortable, 
with  a  blessing  on  a  contented  and  satisfied  heart." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Commencement  of  his  ministerial  labors  at  Turvey— Former  state  of  the  parish- 
Plans  and  exertions  for  its  improvement— Judicious  rules  and  regulations  of  hia 
Friendly  Society— Effect  of  iiis  exertions  -  His  ♦  Fathers  of  the  English  Church'— 
Doctrine  and  mode  of  preaching— Brief  reflections  on  controversy. 

Mr.  Richmond  commenced  his  residence  at  Turvey,  in 
October,  1805.  But  before  we  enter  on  the  detail  of  his 
ministerial  labors,  it  may  be  proper  to  advert  to  the  state  and 
circumstances  of  the  parish,  previously  to  his  appointment  to 
it  as  rector. 

The  village  of  Turvey  is  situated  between  the  two  towns  of 
Bedford  and  Olney,  being  eight  miles  distant  from  the  former, 
and  four  from  the  latter.  It  was  anciently  the  residence  of 
a-noble  family,  some  of  whose  warlike  ancestors  repose  be- 
neath the  beautiful  and  splendid  marble  monuments  which 
adorn  the  chancel  of  the  church.  What  was  once  the  man- 
sion, is  now  converted  into  a  farm-house.    Having  long  ceas- 


REV.   LEGIJ  IlICH:iIOr>D.  69 

ed  to  retain  his  original  magnificence,  it  seems,  in  its  present 
form  to  announce  the  transitory  character  of  human  grandeur. 
The  family  of  the  Mordaunts,  subsequently  Earls  of  Peterbo- 
rough, illustrious  as  it  once  was  in  British  history,  and  cele- 
brated for  its  achievments  in  arms,  now  no  longer  exists, 
having  become  extinct  in  the  year  1814.  How  justly  may 
we  apply  to  these  instances  of  the  instability  of  all  earthly 
dignities,  the  impressive  exclamation  of  a  distinguished  judge 
of  former  days  :* — "  And  yet  Time  hath  his  revolutions  ;  there 
must  be  a  period  and  an  end  to  all  temporal  things  ; — an 
end  of  names  and  dignities,  and  of  whatsoever  is  terrene. 
For  where  is  Bohun  ? — where  is  Mowbray  ? — where  is  Mor- 
timer ?  Nay,  which  is  more,  and  most  of  all,  where  is  Planta- 
genet  ?  They  are  entombed  in  the  urns  and  sepulchres  of 
mortality  !" 

Previously  to  Mr.  Richmond's  incumbency,  the  village  of 
Turvey  appears  to  have  been  greatly  neglected.  The  duties 
of  the  church  were  irregularly  performed  ;  nor  was  there 
ever  more  than  one  service  on  the  Sabbath  day,  among  a 
population  of  at  least  800  inhabitants.  The  ordinances  of 
religion  were  not  respected ;  the  minds  of  the  people  were 
grossly  ignorant,  and  their  morals  and  manners  rude  and  dis- 
orderly. The  Rev.  Erasmus  Middleton  was  Mr.  Richmond's 
immediate  predecessor  ;  a  man  distinguished  both  for  his 
learning  and  piety.  By  him  the  services  of  the  church  were 
increased  ;  and  the  work  of  reformation  was  gradually,  though 
slowly  advancing,  when  this  faithful  minister  was  prematurely 
cut  off,  in  the  midst  of  his  exertions,  having  retained  his  office 
only  for  the  short  period  of  one  year. 

Mr.  Richmond  succeeded  Mr.  Middleton  ;  and  entered  on 
his  new  appointment  with  a  reputation  for  talents  and  piety, 
which  excited  a  great  interest  in  the  neighborhood,  and  an 
expectation  of  extensive  usefulness  among  his  parishioners. 
The  text  of  his  first  sermon  was  taken  from  1  Cor.  ii«  2  ; 
"  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you,  save 
Jesus  Christ  and  Him  crucified."  From  these  words  he  uni- 
formly preached  on  every  returning  anniversary  of  his  in- 
cumbency, and  continued  to  do  so  till  the  last  year  of  his 
life. 

To  those  who  overlook  the  comprehensive  meaning  of  this 
passage  of  holy  Scripture,  the  text  may  seem  to  be  too  lim- 
ited in  its  view,  and  to  restrict  the  whole  summary  of  divine 

*  Lord  Chief  Ju|Uce  Crewe,  in  the  time  of  Charles  11. 
7  *    ■  ' 


MEMOIBS  OF  THE 


truth  to  the  doctrine  of  the  Atonement,  without  a  due  regard 
to  other  important  branches  of  Christian  faith  and  practice. 
But  let  it  be  remembered  that  the  same  Apostle,  who  "  de- 
termined to  know  nothing  but  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified," 
avows  also,  that  he  had  "  not  shunned  to  declare  all  the 
counsel  of  God,"  (Acts  xx,  27 ;)  and  consequently,  the  pas- 
sage must  be  supposed  to  comprise  within  its  ample  range, 
the  full  extent  and  substance  of  every  thing  that  is  needful  to 
the  faith  and  practice  of  the  Christian  ;  nor,  indeed,  is  there 
a  subject  of  doctrine  or  of  morals,  which  is  not  essentially 
identified  with  the  doctrine  of  the  Cross.  It  is  there  that  we 
best  learn  the  malignity  of  sin,  the  depths  of  the  divine  love, 
the  necessity  of  self-humiliation,  the  character  of  holiness, 
the  motives  and  means  for  its  attainment,  and  the  dutiful  ob- 
ligation to  "  glorify  God  with  our  bodies  and  our  spirits,  which 
are  his." 

The  following  account  of  Mr.  Richmond's  proceedings  at 
Turvey,  will  convey  to  the  reader  some  notions  of  his  zeal 
and  judgment,  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  his  parish. 

On  the  Sabbath-day,  there  were  two  regular  full  services  ; 
and  in  the  evening,  a  lecture,  rhore  especially  designed  for 
the  young.  His  weekly  labors  commenced  with  what  he 
called  his  Tuesday-night  cottage  lecture,  from  its  being  heJd 
successively  in  the  cottages  of  the  poor,  whom  he  assembled 
for  the  purpose  of  more  familiar  and  direct  instruction  than 
could  be  usefully  or  suitably  delivered  in  public.  On  Friday 
evening  a  lecture  was  delivered  in  the  church,  the  prayers  for 
the  evening  service  being  previously  read  ;  and  once  a  month 
he  met  the  communicants,  on  the  Saturday  preceding  the 
sacrament.  He  had  also  a  weekly  service  at  the  workhouse. 
But  his  labors  were  not  confined  to  public  instructions  ;  like 
his  divine  Master,  "  he  went  about  doing  good."  At  the  cot- 
tages of  the  poor  he  was  a  frequent  visitor  ;  fulfilling  the  apos- 
tolical injunction,  of  going  from  "  house  to  house,"  scattering 
the  precious  seed,  making  himself  acquainted  with  their  spi- 
ritual state,  and  gathering  from  their  answers  useful  hints  and 
reflections  for  the  service  of  the  succeeding  Sabbath. 

A  Sunday  school  had  been  established  at  Turvey  for  many 
years,  endowed  by  Charles  Higgins,  Esq.,  who  bequeathed 
300Z.  in  support  of  the  charity.  John  Higgins,  Esq.,  of  Tur- 
vey  Abbey,  his  nephew  and  successor,  has  generously  paid 
an  interest  on  the  bequest,  of  20Z.  a  year.  The  school, 
though  well  attended  before,  had  its  numbers  considerably 
increased,  and  its  regulations  greatly*  improved,  by  the  new 


Rev.  legh  RICH]VIO^D. 


71 


rector.  He  appointed  a  master  of  real  piety,  justly  consid- 
ering that  on  the  principles  and  character  of  thje  teacher, 
the  efficiency  and  usefulness  of  these  institutions  materially 
depend.  Mr.  Richmond  was  accustomed  to  visit  the  school 
previously  to  divine  service  ;  and,  for  the  benefit  of  his  youth- 
ful charge,  chiefly,  he  engaged  in  a  third  service  in  the 
church,  on  the  Sunday  evening.  Here  the  first-fruits  of  his 
ministry  appeared.  The  conversion  of  two  young  children, 
who  afterwards  died  happily,  followed  his  introductory  ad- 
dress to  the  children.  3Ir.  Richmond,  indeed,  was  peculiarly 
successful  on  these  occasions,  and  no  part  of  his  labors  was 
attended  with  more  striking  effects.  It  is  remarkable,  that 
both  at  Turvey  and  at  Brading  the  first  memorials  of  his  use- 
fulness occurred  in  the  instance  of  children. 

Shortly  afterwards,  he  established  a  Friendly  Society. 
Objections  have  not  unfrequently  been  made  to  societies  of 
this  description,  and  a  preference  given  to  Savings-banks. 
It  must  be  admitted,  that  some  of  these  objections  are  not 
without  foundation.  It  has  "been  said,  "that  the  usual  sub- 
scription of  the  members  is  insufficient  to  furnish  a  sum  for 
the  support  of  the  aged, — an  insufficiency  frequently  increa- 
sed by  gross  mismanagement ; — that  ordinary  Friendly  Soci- 
eties  are  republics  of  the  worst  kind  ;  in  which  are  found  no 
men  of  talent  or  judgment,  to  control  the  disorders  of  their 
meetings,  which  too  often  present  scenes  of  drunkenness,  con- 
tention, and  misapplication  of  funds  ; — evils  which,  sooner  or 
later,  never  fail  to  issue  in  bankruptcy  ; — that  a  fifth  part  of 
the  funds  is  regularly  allowed  for  liquor,  under  the  idea  of 
encouraging  the  publican,  at  whose  house  the  subscriptions 
are  usually  paid  ; — that  the  system  is  productive  of  much  im- 
morality  ;  and  associations  and  habits  formed,  which  bring  on 
a  train  of  serious  evils  ; — that,  to  the  sum  allowed  from  the 
•club,  the  poor  man  often  adds  a  large  part  of  his  weekly 
earnings  ;  and,  instead  of  exercising  prudence  and  economy, 
he  wastes  this  money  in  intemperate  indulgence."  These 
abuses  of  Benefit  Societies  have  disgusted  many  persons,  and 
induced  them  to  give  a  preference  to  Savings-banks,  unac- 
companied with  annual  dinners,  and  monthly  resorts  to  the 
publican.  Admitting,  however,  the  existence  of  these  evils, 
and  without  detracting  from  the  great  public  good  of  the  Sav- 
ings-banks, it  ought  to  be  remembered  that  the  abuses  here 
specified  form  no  just  grounds  of  exception  to  the  Friendly 
Societies  conducted  on  better  principles  ;  and  that  the  Sav- 
ings-banks cannot  accomplish  the  same  purposes  in  any  thing 


72 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


like  an  equal  degree.  Their  character  and  use  is  widely  dif- 
feren  from  those  of  Friendly  Societies.  The  little  tradesman, 
the  domestic  servant,  the  bailiff  or  overseer  of  a  farm,  and 
others  in  similar  circumstances,  may  find  in  the  banks  a  safe 
and  profitable  repository  for  their  savings  ;  but  the  laborer, 
especially  if  a  married  man,  has  no  inclination  to  lay  up  the 
small  sums  he  subscribes  to  a  Friendly  Society  ;  and  these 
sums,  if  deposited  at  the  banks,  would  seldom  meet  his  ne- 
cessities in  sickness  and  old  age.  A  long  illness  would  ex- 
haust his  deposits,  and  oblige  him  to  throw  himself  on  his 
friends  or  the  parish  for  a  maintenance.  But  the  Friendly 
Societies  are,  strictly,  Insurance  Companies :  and  if  their 
funds  be  regulated  by  a  just  rate  of  insurance,  without 
which,  it  is  granted,  no  Friendly  Society  deserves  support, 
— and  if  they  be  wisely  and  properly  managed,  no  institution 
is  better  calculated  to  afford  the  poor  a  comfortable  and  cer- 
tain independence. 

Mr.  Richmond,  who  was .  no,  mean  financier,  was  fully 
competent  to  determine  the  scale  of  subscription  ;  and  by  his 
judicious  arrangements  he  prevented  the  above  evils,  and 
effectually  secured  to  the  poor  the  benefits  of  a  Friendly 
Society.  It  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  his  plans  were  uni- 
versally known  ;  and  that  all  Benefit  Societies  were  formed 
or  re-modelled  on  similar  principles.  For  the  information  of 
the  public,  the  following  sketch  of  the  Turvey  club  is  inserted. 

The  Friendly  Society  of  Turvey  was  composed  of  three  di- 
visions. 

First,  A  club  for  children  of  both  sexes,  from  seven  to 
sixteen  years  of  age  ;  each  member  pays  one  shilling  en- 
trance, and  a  penny  per  month ;  and  is  allowed  in  sickness 
eighteenpence  per  week.  From  three  to  four  pounds  is  the 
yearly  expenditure  on  sick  members.  The  society  has  de- 
posited 50Z.  in  the  Savings-bank,  after  twenty  years'  duration. 
The  number  of  its  members  has  varied  from  twenty  to  forty 
children.  At  sixteen  years  of  age  a  member  becomes  eligi- 
ble to  the  senior  clubs,  and  is  entitled  to  receive  half  the  en- 
trance fee  required  on  admission. 

Secondly,  The  club  for  women,  confined  to  persons  from 
seventeen  to  thirty-five  years  of  age.  The  entrance-fee  is 
five  shillings  ;  the  monthly  subscription  one  shilling,  or  one 
shilling  and  eightpence,  at  the  option  of  the  members.  Those 
who  subscribe  the  larger  sum  receive  six  shillings  per  week  in 
illness  ;  and  to  the  lesser  subscriber  is  paid  four  shillings 
weekly.    The  number  of  members  have  varied  from  thirty  to 


EEV.  LEGII  RICHM02SD. 


73 


forty.  The  average  payments  for  the  last  twenty  years  have 
been  20/.  and  the  society  has  200/.  in  the  Savings-bank. 

Thirdly,  The  men's  club,  also  comprising  two  classes.  The 
members  of  the  one  pay  one  shilling,  and  of  the  other  one 
shilling  and  fouf^-pence  monthly  ;  and  they  respectively  re- 
ceive eight  shillings  and  six  shillings  weekly  in  sickness. 
The  entrance-fee  is  seven  shilhngs  and  six  pence.  Their 
annual  expenditures  has  been  35/.,  and  their  present  fund 
amounts  to  nearly  400/.  These  clubs  have  about  twenty  ho- 
norary members,  who  greatly  contribute  to  the  opulence  and 
prosperity  of  the  institution^,  and  their  bounty,  joined  to  the 
subscriptions  of  a  constant  succession  of  young  members,  Mr. 
Richmond  considered,  on  the  calculation  of  the  Northampton 
tables,  to  be  adequate  to  the  demands  of  the  club.  The  rules 
and  regulations  of  the  Turvey  club  resemble,  in  most  respects, 
those  of  other  friendly  societies  ;  but  some  additions  and 
amendments  were  made  by  Mr.  Richmond  which  are  too  im- 
portant to  be  omitted. 

First. — No  persons  of  immoral  character  were  admissible, 
or  such  as  were  likely  to  disgrace  the  society  by  habits  of 
drinking,  impurity,  profane  swearing,  or  other  notorious  crimes. 

Secondly. — A  careful  superintendence  was  maintained  over 
the  members  by  Mr.  Richmond  and  the  officers  of  the  society. 
Offenders  were  admonished  ;  and  after  three  admonitions,  if 
unreclaimed,  were  excluded  from  the  benefits  of  the  society. 

Thirdly. — The  practice  of  assembling  the  members  of  these 
societies  at  public-houses,  and  of  spending  a  portion  of  their 
funds  in  liquor,  was  prohibited  ;  and  their  meetings  were  held 
in  the  vestry  of  the  church,  at  which  Mr.  Richmond  constant- 
ly attended.  By  this  arrangement  nearly  a  fiifth  part  of 
the  funds  was  saved,  and  the  temptations  of  the  public-house 
avoided.* 

In  this,  and  in  indeed  every  other  plan  of  improvement,  Mr, 
Richmond  was  the  presiding  genius.  Every  thing  was  con- 
ducted under  his  eye,  and  owed  its  success  to  his  wisdom  and 
example.  He  possessed  the  happy  talent  of  exciting  interest, 
conciliating  regard,  and  meeting  difficulties  with  calmness  ;  he 
overcame  impediments  by  a  gentleness  which  disarmed  oppo- 
sition, a  judgment  which  corrected  mistake,  and  a  temper 
which  diffused  universal  harmony.  There  was  an  openness 
in  his  manner,  which  impressed  all  with  a  conviction  of  his 

*  For  the  establishment  of  this  club,  Mr.  Richmond  obtained  the  annaal  prize 
"  for  the  best  regulated  Benefit  Society  in  the  county  of  Bedford." 
7* 


74 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


sincerity,  and  prevented  a  suspicion  of  his  having  any  other 
motive  than  a  wish  to  promote  the  welfare  of  his  parishioners. 
Where  he  met  with  opposition,  he  did  not  hazard  the  failure 
of  his  measures  by  indiscreetly  urging  them  ;  but  rather  left 
his  arguments  silently  and  gradually  to  prdSuce  their  effect. 
Circumspection  and  caution  marked  every  part  of  his  conduct ; 
his  great  aim  being  at  all  times  to  "  give  no  offence  in  any 
thing,  that  the  ministry  might  not  be  blamed."  He  was  con- 
sistent throughout,  in  the  public  discharge  of  his  duty,  as  weli 
as  in  his  general  intercourse,  and  jarivate  and  domestic  habits  ; 
and  thus  the  energy  of  his  zeal'n  the  pulpit  was  known  to 
be  not  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  "  the  sparks  of  his 
own  kindling  ;"  but  the  steady  flame  of  a  Divine  spirit,  im- 
parting to  others  the  sacred  glow  which  animated  his  own 
bosom. 

To  the  character,  example,  and  authority  of  Mr.  Richmond, 
the  members  of  these  societies  submitted  their  judgment  ;  and 
yielded,  for  the  most  part,  a  ready  acquiescence  in  his 
counsels. 

Notwithstanding  the  acknowledged  excellence  of  these 
plans,  there  appears  to  the  writer  of  this  memoir,  one  impor- 
tant defect.  These  societies  were  still  of  a  republican  cha- 
racter ;  and  it  was  in  the  power  of  the  members  to  injure  their 
own  interests  by  the  decisions  of  a  majority.  On  one  occa- 
sion, this  defective  government  had  nearly  proved  fatal  to  the 
Turvey  club.  The  funds  had  increased  beyond  the  expecta- 
tion of  the  members,  who,  in  a  time  of  great  pressure,  resolv- 
ed to  appropriate  a  portion  of  them  to  the  relief  of  their  neces- 
sities ;  and  they  were  with  difficulty  turned  from  their  pur- 
pose, by  his  firmness  and  personal  influence.  This  defect  is 
remedied  in  a  society  formed  at  Emberton,  on  Mr.  Richmond's 
plan  ;  one  of  the  rules  of  which  provides,  that  no  proposition 
shall  pass  into  a  law,  without  the  concurrence  of  the  president 
and  honorary  members.  Mr.  Richmond  acknowledged  the  im- 
provement upon  his  principle,  observing,  with  his  usual  frank- 
ness, "  our  good  friend  at  Emberton  has  secured  by  law,  what 
I  have  effected  by  personal  influence." 

It  is  very  desirable  that  the  rules  of  these  societies  should, 
after  a  time,  be  enrolled  according  to  act  of  parliament ;  by 
which  they  become  legal  corporations,  and  the  evil  attending 
the  removal  of  such  men  as  Mr.  Richmond  is  provided  for,  as 
far,  at  least,  as  it  can  be  done,  by  bringing  these  societies  un- 
der the  sanction  and  protection  of  the  law,  and  thus  enabling 
the  better-informed  of  the  poor  themselves,  to  insure  the  pro- 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3I0?fD. 


75 


per  application  of  their  funds,  and  control  the  sudden  impulse 
of  popular  feeling. 

Mr.  Richmond's  club,  like  other  similar  institutions,  kept  its 
anniversary  ;  but  in  a  different  way,  and  with  different  effects. 
These  feasts  are  usually  held  at  the  public-house,  and  lead  to 
much  disorder.  The  feast  at  Turvey  was  not  a  revel  of  riot 
and  drunkenness  ;  but  a  generous  hospitality,  consistent  with 
Christian  principle.  Mr.  Richmond  invited,  on  these  oc- 
casions, a  number  of  his  clerical  brethren,  and  other  respect- 
able  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  the  neighborhood,  who  usually 
ass'^mbled  at  Turvey,  to  the  number  of  thirty  or  forty  persons, 
and  with  a  large  concourse  of  the  villagers,  accompanied  the 
society  to  the  church.  The  subjoined  letter  gives  a  pleasing 
account  of  the  proceedings  of  the  day. 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"  You  wish  me  to  give  you  some  account  of  the  anniver- 
sary of  Mr.  Richmond's  Friendly  Societies.  This  1  shall  do 
with  pleasure,  having  attended  several  of  thenr. 

"  He  generally  kept  the  anniversary  in"  Whitsun-week. 
You  already  know  that  Mr.  R.  has  three  Friendly  Societies  ; 
one  for  men,  a  second  for  women,  and  a  third  for  young  per- 
soiTS.  Hence  it  frequently  happens  that  the  father  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  one,  the  mother  of  another,  and  the  children  of  the 
third.  Each  club  consists  of  the  higher  and  middle  eiassesof 
parishioners,  as  well  as  of  the  poor.  The  former  contribute, 
but  do  not  share  in  the  benefit,  while  the  latter  are  thus  more 
liberally  assisted. 

"  On  the  anniversary,  all  these  clubs  walk  in  procession  to 
church  and  hear  a  sermon,  after  which  they  dine  together  in 
the  school-room.  As  this  is  an  important  scene  of  action,  you 
must  indulge  me  with  a  moment  of  your  time,  while  I  shew 
you  its  interior.  Imagine  to  yourself  a  fine,  large,  airy  room, 
with  a  lofty  ceiling,  following  the  form  of  the  roof  of  the  build- 
ing ;  the  floor  even,  and  the  walls,  as  well  as  the  top,  beauti- 
fully white.  Every  part  of  the  room  is  ornamented  with  the 
staves  of  the  different  members,  painted  blue,  and  disposed 
upon  the  walls,  somewhat  like  the  swords  and  halberts  in  an 
armory.  These  are  surmounted  with  bouquets  and  festoons 
of  flowers  in  rich  profusion  ;  for  which  the  'squires'  gardens 
and  shrubberies  are  laid  under  such  heavy  contributions,  that 
it  needs  almost  a  year  to  replenish  them.  Think  of  the  vari- 
ety of  flowers  and  shrubs  that  a  village  like  Turvey  would 
produce  at  Whitsuntide,  and  you  may  conclude  that  the  choi- 


76 


MEMOIES   OF  THE 


cestof  them  are  lo  be  found  most  tastefully  arranged  through- 
out the  room.  One  garland  is  suspended  from  the  centre, 
which  is  carried  before  the  clubs  to  the  church,  instead  of  any 
colors.  In  the  centre  of  this  garland,  which  is  in  the  form  of 
a  sphere,  there  is  a  triangle,  emblematic  of  the  three  clubs 
united  in  one  ;  and  in  the  centre  of  the  top  of  the  room  hangs 
the  triangle  of  Unity,  which  I  shall  have  occasion  to  notice 
by-and-by.  Four  tables  are  placed  round  the  room,  so  as  to 
form  one.  That  at  the  top  for  the  honorary  members,  the 
clergy,  and  gentry;  on  the  right  are  placed  the  men,  on 
the  left  the  women,  and  at  the  lower  table  the  children.  I  have 
been  thus  minute,  because  the  order,  as  vvell  as  the  elegance, 
displayed  on  the  occasion,  contributed  much  to  the  good  effect 
of  the  whole.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  'squires  of  Turvey,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Richmond  with  their  friends,  and  some  of  the 
neighboring  clergy,  assembled  to  meet  the  club,  near  the 
school-room.  A  long  train  of  members  of  the  different  clubs 
proceed  in  order  to  the  churchy  headed  by  the  rector  ;  the 
benefit  members  all  carrying  blue  staves.  The  same  order  is 
observed  on  returning  from  church  to  the  school-room.  A 
visitor  generally  preaches  the  sermon. 

"  We  were  disbanded  at  the  schooU-room,  and  allowed  an 
hour  to  ramble  about  ;  after  which  we  were  summoned  to  din- 
ner by  a  bell.  The  members  had  taken  their  places  when  we 
entered  the  room.  We  were  disposed  at  the  chief  table, 
and,  on  a  signal  given,  all  rose  up,  and  Mr.  Richmond  said 
the  grace.  The  covers  were  removed,  and  we  enjoyed  a  very 
nice  dinner,  mrio  sermone.  After  dinner,  the  following 
grace  was  sung  by  the  whole  company,' standing  : — 

•We  thank  thee,  Lord,  for  this  our  food. 

But  most  of  all  for  Jesu's  blood; 

Let  manna  lo  our  souls  be  given, 

The  bread  of  life  sent  down-from  heaven.' 

"  At  this  part  of  the  day,  as  many  of  the  villagers  as  can 
approach  the  doors  and  windows  are  allowed  to  gratify  their 
curiosity  by  observing  the  proceedings.  After  a  glass  of  wine 
at  our  ables,  and  the  simpler  beverage  of  nut-brown  ale  at 
the  tables  on  our  right  and  left,  the  steward  for  the  day  pro- 
posed a  vote  of  thanks  ^o  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richmond,  for  their 
attention  to  the  interests  of  the  club.  Upon  which,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond rose  and  addressed  them  at  sohie  length  on  the  princi- 
pies  of  these  societies,  and  he  had  recourse  to  the  triangle 
before-mentioned,  on  whose  sides  were  written, '  Faith,  Hope, 
Charity;'  and  on  the  cross-bars,  *  Mutual  Support,  Unity,  Pa- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


77 


tience,'  &c.  He  commented  on  these  with  his  usual  simpli- 
city and  piety,  reverting  to  the  early  history  of  the  institution, 
and  urging  the  necessity  of  keeping  those  principles  steadily 
in  view,  both  in  regard  to  their  conduct  in  the  management  oi 
the  society,  and  towards  each  other.  He  dwelt  also  on  the 
subject  of  the  perpetuity  of  clubs,  and  the  necessity  of  taking 
the  calculation  of  human  life  from  more  recent  tables  than 
those  from  which  it  had  hitherto  been  made  ;  experience  hav- 
ing proved  that  human  life  is  generally  longer  than  had  been 
supposed.  I  need  not  say  he  made  himself  understood  ;  but  I 
may  add,  that  he  gave  to  the  whole  discussion  such  an  air  of 
interest,  that  all  were  delighted,  as  well  as  edified. 

"  A  few  minutes  after  Mr.  Richmond  had  resumed  his  seat, 
the  steward  proposed  the  thanks  of  the  societies  to  the  honor- 
ary members,  for  their  countenance  and  support.  When  this 
had  passed,  Mr.  Grimshawe  arose  on  the  part  of  the  honorary 
members.  His  address  contained  a  strong  appeal  to  their 
moral  principles,  and  was  heard  with  much  interest.  After  a 
short  interval,  the  Hon.  Lyttleton  Powys  made  a  very  impres- 
sive address.  His  remarks  produced  a  more  than  ordinary 
effect  upon  the  whole  assembly.  He  held  in  his  hand  a  nar- 
rative of  a  waterman,  who  had  plied  upon  the  river  Thames,  , 
and  by  his  honest  industry  had  been  able  not  only  to  educate 
several  of  his  relatives,  and  settle  them  in  the  world,  but  also 
to  leave  considerable  pecuniary  legacies  to  some  public  reli- 
gious societies.  This  book  he  presented  to  Mrs.  Richmond 
with  a  request  that  she  should  lend  it  to  the  members  of  the 
club,  to  teach  them  the  blessings  of  patient  industry,  with  the 
fear  of  God.  He  pointed  out  to  them,  in  the  waterman's 
character,  his  conscientious  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  in  his 
steady  refusal  to  ply  on  the  river  on  that  day. 

"  \V  hat  I  said,  I  must  leave  you  to  conjecture.  The  happy 
countenances  around  me, — the  beautiful  effect  of  the  pendant 
flowers,  and  the  sweet  union  of  young  men  and  maidens,  old 
men  and  children,'  filled  my  mind  with  so  many  pleasing 
ideas,  that  I  assure  you  I  could  not  continue  silent,  nor  refrain 
from  contrasting  the  scenes  of  wretchedness  I  had  witnessed 
in  the  manufacturing  districts  of  the  north,  with  the  comfort 
and  tranquillity  of  Turvey. 

"  I  have  mentioned  to  you  that  I  was  present  at  several  of 
these  anniversaries,  and  I  could  not  help  observing  that  they 
were  so  managed,  as  never  to  present  an  uninteresting  same- 
ness. Some  new  incident  furnished  a  pleasing  variety.  On 
one  occasion,  the  senior  chaplain  of  St.  Helena  was  present. 


78 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


With  a  view  to  inspire  contentment  amongst  the  poor,  he 
drew  a  lively  contrast  between  their  comforts  and  his  own  pri- 
vations in  that  island.  He  told  them,  that  in  consequence  of 
the  failure  of  the  regular  supplies  of  provisions,  they  were 
frequently  reduced  to  the  necessity  of , eating  salted  beef,  as 
black  and  hard  as  the  piece  of  mahogany  which  he  held  in  his 
hand.  After  describing  Buonaparte's  residence  at  Long- 
wood,  he  produced  a  lock  of  his  hair,  which  was  handed  round 
the  tables,  and  of  course  examined  with  eager  curiosity. 

"  Without  entering  into  further  detail,  1  would  make  this 
general  remark, — that  so  much  cheerful  sobriety,  decorum, 
and  good  feeling  were  every  where  visible,  as  to  afford  a  lively 
illustration  of  St.  Paul's  precept, — '  using  this  world  as  not 
abusing  it.' 

"  At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  Mr.  Richmond  requested  a 
part  of  the  company  to  drink  tea  with  him  at  his  own  house. 
His  conversation  was  carried  on  in  the  same  improving  strain 
and  was  calculated  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  younger 
clergy  of  his  neighborhood,  whom  he  frequently  invited  on 
these  occasions.  ^ 

"  In  closing  my  letter,  one  subject  of  mournful  reflection 
.  forces  itself  upon  my  mind. — These  scenes  are  passed  away  ! 
our  dear  friend  is  indeed  gone  to  a  more  beauteous  abode,— 
a  pleasant  paradise  above  ;  but  the  vineyard  he  has  left,  may, 
I  fear,  in  some  future  day,  be  overgrown  with  weeds,  and  the 
anniversary  of  Turvey  cease  to  present  the  same  happy  fruits 
to  win  our  admiration,  to  console  and  improve  our  hearts. 
Yet  many  of  the  members  of  the  Friendly  Societies  at  Tur- 
vey are  members  of  Christ.  These  will  follow  their  beloved 
pastor,  their  father,  and  their  friend,  to  that  blessed  society, 
whose  members  are  'no  more  sick.' 

"  That  you  and  I  may  be  numbered  with  them,  is  the  sin- 
cere  wish  of  your  faithful  friend,  Amos  Westboy." 

The  good  effects  of  these  societies  were  universally  felt. 
The  poor  learned  to  enjoy  hospitality  without  excess.  An  occa- 
sional intercourse  between  rich  and  poor,  called  forth  affections 
and  emotions  of  sympathy  and  kindness  in  the  one,  of  respect 
and  gratitude  in  the  other.  Instead  of  the  usual  scenes  at  such 
meetings,  a  cheerfulness  and  decorum  without  constraint  pre- 
vailed, and  a  respect  for  religion  gave  a  sacred  character  to 
the  whole-  It  is  remarkable,  that  for  twenty  anniversaries, 
though  an  instance  or  two  might  be  selected,  of  persons  retir- 
ing from  the  meeting  to  a  public  house,  not  a  single  instance 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


79 


of  intemperance  occurred  at  the  school-room.  Another  good 
effect  of  these  societies,  was  strikingly  exemplified  in  the  im- 
provement of  the  female  character.  A  lamentable  departure 
from  propriety,  previous  to  marriage,  was  general,  before  the 
establishment  of  these  societies  ;  afterwards,  however,  it  was 
a  rare  occurrence. 

As  might  be  expected,  his  exertions  on  the  week-day  con- 
tributed, in  no  small  degree,  to  give  effect  to  Mr.  Richmond's 
ministry,  and  to  attach  the  people  to  it.  The  church  was  nu- 
merously attended  ;  the  Sabbath  became  a  hallowed  day,  and 
its  approach  was  anticipated  with  lively  expectation.  The 
Gospel  was  preached  with  fidelity,  and  heard  with  deep  and 
solemn  interest.  Many  were  awakened  from  a  state  of  insen- 
sibility and  thoughtlessness,  to  a  just  estimation  of  the  truths 
which  they  heard  from  their  beloved  pastor.  Instances  were 
not  unfrequent  of  sound  and  solid  conversion  ;  and  even  those 
who  received  little  spiritual  benefit,  learned  to  treat  religion 
with  respect,  and  began  to  exhibit  a  decency  of  deportment. 
Vice  did  not  lift  tip  the  head  with  its  wonted  effrontery,  nor 
was  sin  committed  with  the  same  fearless  unconcern,  and  dis- 
regard to  its  consequences. 

Another  circumstance  in  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Richmond  de- 
serves the  particular  attention  of  the  reader,  we  mean  the 
examination  of  candidates  for  the  communion.  It  has  often 
been  objected  to  the  Church  of  England,  that  her  ministers 
admit  to  the  Lord's  Supper  indiscriminately,  and  without  due 
regard  to  the  principles  and  characters  of  the  communicants. 
The  charge  cannot  apply  to  a  consistent  minister  of  the  Es- 
tablished Church.  He  is  empowered,  nay  required,  by  the 
instructions  of  that  church,  to  put  in  force  her  discipline  ; — to 
examine,  to  reject,  or  admit  at  his  own  discretion  ;  subject, 
indeed,  as  it  ought  to  be,  to  the  approval  of  his  superior.* 

Mr.  Richmond,  as  a  faithful  son  of  the  church,  and  a, no 
less  faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel,  endeavored  to  carry  into 
effect  the  requirements  of  the  Kubric,  and  ihe  directions  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  :  1  Cor.  v,  7,  and  xi,  28.  The  person  pro- 
posing himself  for  the  communion  was  examined,  and  a  year 

*  It  lias  been  supposed  that  a  clergyman  Cixpoees  himself  to  a  civil  action 
for  defamation,  hy  rcftisinsi  the  sacrament  fo  the  most  profligate  offender. 
This  is  a  wiistake  He  must,  iudee<i,  remier  his  reasons  for  rejection,  to  the 
bishop,  ihroMijIi  the  cliurchwarden.s ;  hut  he  is  not  liable  to  a  civil  action,  ex- 
cept lu,  p7z6/ic^/y  assisrus  his  reasons  ftjr  refusikl.  Hs  ou{;ln  to  pass  by  the 
rejected  [)erson,  r.t  the  time  of  liie  sacrament,  or  warn  him  in  private.  The 
decision  of  tlie  clersyinaii  may,  indeed,  be  reversed  by  his  ecclesiastical  supe- 
rior ;  but  lie  does  not  expose  hitiiself  to  any  process  in  a  civil  court. 


80 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  probation  was  recommended  io  him,  for  the  trial  of  his  sin- 
cerity, and  the  manifestation  of  it  by  a  consistent  and  virtuous 
conversation.  Perhaps  there  were  few  communions  which 
exhibited  a  more  satisfactory  piety  ;  and  the  attendants  at  the 
sacrament  were,  for  the  most  part,  the  fruits  of  his  own  mi- 
nistry, and  the  dearest  objects  of  his  heart:  he  was  regarded 
by  them  as  a  father  ;  they  consulted  him  on  all  occasions,  and 
received  advice  and  sympathy  in  all  their  affairs,  both  tempo- 
ral and  spiritual.  At  once  respected  and  beloved  by  "  the 
children  which  God  had  given  him,"  he,  in  return,  watched 
over  them  with  anxiety,  prayed  for  them  with  earnestness, 
instructed  them  with  diligence,  ruled  them  with  mildness,  and 
regarded  them  with  the  affection  of  an  apostle  :  "  for  now  we 
live,  if  ye  stand  fast  in  the  Lord."  1  Thess.  iii.  8. 

While  Mr.  Richmond  was  thus  fulfilling  the  duties  of  an 
active  and  laborious  parish  priest,  he  commenced  a  work, 
which  justly  entitles  him  to  the  gratitude  of  present  and  suc- 
ceeding generations.  We  allude  to  the  'Fathers  of  the  Eng- 
lish Church,'  a  publication  containing  copious  and  impartial 
selections  from  the  writings  of  our  Reformers,  and  compris- 
ing  a  valuable  mass  of  theological  knowledge,  illustrative  of 
the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation.  Nothing  of  the  kind  had 
ever  been  attempted,  and,  perhaps,  few  modern  divines  pos- 
sessed the  requisite  means  of  information. 

The  circumstance  to  which  Mr.  Richmond  was  indebted 
for  his  superiority  in  this  respect,  is  singular,  and  deserves  in- 
sertion. While  he  resided  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  shortly 
after  his  perusal  of  Wilberforce's  '  Practical  View,'  which 
had  effected  so  striking  a  change  in  his  own  sentiments  and 
character,  a  grocer  at  Newport  sent  him  some  trifling  article 
wrapped  up  in  a  leaf  of  Bishop  Jewell's  Apology.  His  atten- 
tion was  directed  to  the  wrapper  by  one  of  his  family,  who 
jocosely  remarked,  "  this  looks  as  if  it  would  suit  you,  Legh." 
He  read  the  leaf,  and  instantly  set  off  for  Newport,  to  inquire 
after  the  remaining  pages.  The  grocer,  smiling  at  the  anxiety 
of  his  clerical  customer,  replied,  "  O  yes,  sir,  here  they  are,  arid 
I  have  a  whole  hogshead  of  these  worthies  ;  they  are  much  at 
your  service,  for  two  pence  a  pound."  The  treasure  was 
speedily  and  joyfully  secured  ;  and  to  this  incident,  trivial  as 
it  may  appear,  Mr.  Richmond  owed  his  extensive  and  pro- 
found acquaintance  with  the  authors  of  the  Reformation. 

It  is,  indeed,  a  humiliating  consideration,  that  works  like 
these  should  lose  the  veneration  of  posterity,  and  be  treated 
with  the  contempt  due  only  to  the  meanest  productions  of  the 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


81 


day.  It  was  an  honor  reserved  for  Mr.  Richmond,  to  draw 
frora  obscurity  the  writings  of  those  eminent  men,  who  had 
shaken  empires  by  their  discussions,  overthrown  systems 
which  centuries  had  struggled  to  uphold,  and  sealing  their 
testimony  with  their  blood,  bequeathed  a  sacred  legacy  of  pure 
doctrine  to  the  Protestant  church. 

At  the  urgent  and  repeated  entreaties  of  several  clerical 
friends,  Mr.  Richmond  was  induced  to  engage  in  this  important 
undertaking.  A  prospectus  of  his  plan  was  laid  before  the 
public  in  the  year  1806  ;  and  shortly  after,  he  commenced 
the  publication  of  the  work  in  numbers,  and  ultimately  com- 
pleted  it  in  eight  volumes.  It  is  impossible  to  contemplate 
the  execution  of  so  laborious  a  task,  and  not  to  assign  to  the 
Editor  the  praise  of  unwearied  diligence,  discriminating  judg. 
ment,  and  acknowledged  impartiality.  The  substance  of  the 
writings  of  Tindal,  Ridley,  Latimer,  Cranmer,  Hooper,  Brad- 
ford, Jewell,  and  others,  was  thus  rendered  accessible  to  the 
theological  student,  at  a  time  when  the  spirit  of  controversy 
was  gone  forth,  and  when  a  standard  of  unquestionable  au- 
thority,  and  free  from  the  bias  of  modern  prejudices,  became 
a  desideratum  of  the  very  first  importance.  Since  the  above 
period,  a  considerable  change  of  sentiment  has  taken  place 
among  us  ;  and  we  have  no  hesitation  in  ascribing  much  of 
that  perceptible  return  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation, 
which  characterizes  the  present  state  of  our  church,  to  the 
influence  of  this  publication.  It  has  been  repeatedly  referred 
to,  and  largely  quoted,  on  the  various  subjects  which  have 
since  come  under  discussion  ;  and  if  sound  doctrine  be  to  the 
soul,  what  nutritious  food  is  to  the  bod}^,  and  the  stream  be 
purest  as  we  approach  nearest  to  its  source,  it  is  to  the  perusal 
of  the  writings  of  the  Reformers  and  their  immediate  suc- 
cessors, next  to  that  of  the  Bible,  that  we  are  to  look,  under 
the  divine  blessing,  for  the  revival  of  national  piety  and  true 
religion.* 

From  this  brief  mention  of  the  '  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,'  we  are  naturally  led  to  the  consideration  of  the 
doctrinal  views  and  sentiments  of  Mr.  Richmond,  which  fur- 
nished the  leading  topics  of  his  ministry. 

**  The  Fathers  of  the  Engish  Church'  are  now  no  longer  to  be  obtained 
in  complete  sets;  but  some  of  the  separate  volumes,  which  are  distinct  and 
wholly  independent  in  their  contents,  may  be  purcliased,  by  application  to 
the  publishers,  Messrs.  Hatchard,  Piccadilly,  and  Seeley,  Fleet  Street,  Lon- 
don. 

8 


82 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


He  has  often  been  heard  to  declare,  "  that  two  great 
subjects  pervaded  the  Bible  ;  Sin,  and  Salvation  from  Sin ; 
and  that  these  ought  to  form  the  basis  ot  the  Christian  min- 
istry. 

In  his  addresses  from  the  pulpit,  he  never  failed  to  point 
out,  distinctly  and  forcibly,  man's  ruin  by  the  fall : — his  con- 
demnation under  the  law,  and  his  moral  inability  to  deliver 
himself,  by  any  power  or  ^strength  of  his  own  : — The  divinity 
and  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God : — Free  and  full  justifi. 
cation,  through  faith  in  the  atoning  blood  and  righteousness 
of  the  Redeemer  : — the  nature  of  justifying  faith,  its  frails 
and  evidences  : — the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  regene- 
ration and  sanctif  cation  of  believers  : — and  the  necessity  of  a 
renewed  heart,  and  of  holiness  in  the  life,  not  as  the  title  to 
heaven,  but  as  a  meetness  for  its  enjoyihent.  These  are  funda- 
mental doctrines,  in  which  all  true  Christians  without  distinc- 
tion of  sect  or  party,  cordially  unite.  They  have  been  the 
food  of  the  church  of  God  in  all  ages, — The  manna  which 
has  sustained  her  children  in  the  many  and  diversified  scenes 
of  human  trial  and  infirmity  ; — they  have  been  the  song  of 
their  pilgrimage, — their  joy  in  tribulation,— their  light  in 
darkness,  and  their  guide  to  life  and  immortality. 

In  addition  to  the  above-mentioned  doctrines,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond  adopted  the  views  which  are  commonly  called  Calvin- 
istic  ;  but  not  in  that  offensive  sense  in  which  they  are  fre- 
quently, though  most  erroneously  imputed.  It  is  not  the 
intention  of  the  editor  to  enter  here  on  the  Calvinistic  con. 
troversy  ;  this  is  neither  the  time  nor  the  place  for  such  a 
discussion.  He  may  offer  a  still  better -reason  for  his  silence, 
— the  conviction  which  he  has  long  entertained,  that  the  real 
question  at  issue,  and  the  one  in  which  the  interests  of  true 
religion  are  most  concerned,  is  not,  whether  the  Articles  of 
our  church  and  the  sentiments  of  the  Reformers,  be  more 
or  less  Calvinistic ;  but  whether  we  spiritually  understand, 
and  cordially  embrace  those  fundamental  principles,  the  be- 
lief of  which  is  indispensable  to  salvation,  and  to  the  well-be- 
ing of  every  Christian  community. 

These  principles  are  stated  with  admirable  precision,  and 
strict  adherence  both  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  Scriptures, 
in  the  9th,  iOth,  11th,  12th,  and  13th  Articles  of  the  Church 
of  England,  and  must  ever  entitle  her  to  rank  among  the 
purest  of  the  reformed  churches.  Satisfied  with  the  princi- 
ples there  laid  down,  we  may  safely  allow  a  latitude  of  in- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO:>D. 


83 


terpretation  on  points  which,  though  deemed  important  by 
some,  are  not  maintained  by  any  to  be  essential  to  salvation. 

The  following  analysis  of  Mr.  Richmond's  mode  of  preach, 
ing,  is  submitted  to  the  candid  consideration  ofthose  persons, 
who  have  fostered  prejudices  founded  on  error  and  misrepre- 
sentation ; — prejudices  not  wholly  unaccompanied  by  a  very 
culpable  ignorance,  and  which  charity  and  truth  must  alike 
lament  and  condemn. 

As  a  preacher  he  was  scriptural, — experimental, — practi- 
cal,— comprehensive, — powerful  in  his  apjpeals  to  the  conscience 
and  addresses  to  the  heart, — -full  of  pathos  and  interest. 

1.  He  icas  scriptural.  A  rich  vein  of  divine  truth  was  dif- 
fused through  his  sermons.  The  Law  and  the  Gospel  were 
clearly  and  distinctly  exhibited  in  all  their  characteristic  fea- 
tures, and  enforced  to  their  respective  ends.  Xo  doctrine  was 
asserted  which  was  not  proved  and  established  by  a  constant 
appeal  to  the  authority  of  Scripture,  with  the  contents  of  which 
he  was  familiarly  acquainted.  We  would  here  remark^  that  no 
man  can  become  a  sound  and  enlightened  divine,  who  does 
not  give  his  days  and  nights  to  the  study  of  the  Oracles  of 
God,  accompanied  by  prayer  and  meditation.  The  connex- 
ion of  solid  piety  with  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  Scrip- 
tures is  indissoluble.  This  forms,  indeed,  the  manual  of 
every  Christian,  but  belongs  in  a  more  especial  degree  to 
the  minister  of  the  sanctuary.  It  is  the  armory  whence  he 
must  draw  all  his' weapons  ; — it  is  the  treasury  whence  he  is 
to  be  supplied  with  every  motive  and  every  argument,  which, 
through  the  grace  and  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  can  fix 
conviction  on  the  mind,  rouse  ihe  torpid  conscience,  excite 
the  affections  of  the  heart,  and  elevate  the  soul  to  God.  It  is 
the  sceptre  of  righteousness,  by  which  he  rules  and  guides  the 
flock  ;  the  depository  of  every  promise  that  can  cheer  their 
passage  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  ;  and  by  it 
they  are  taught  the  new  song,  which  will  animate  their  praises 
in  the  land  of  their  inheritance. — "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing,  for  ever  and  ev^. 
Amen." 

2.  He  was  experimental.  Divine  truth,  from  his  hps,  was 
not  a  cold  speculative  statement ;  but  was  so  interwoven  with 
all  the  inward  experiences  of  the  human  heart,  as  peculiarly 
to  promote  the  edification  of  his  hearers.  He  could  appro- 
priate  the  language  of  the  Apostle,  and  say,  "  that  whi^b  we 
have  heard,  which  we  have  seen  with  our  eyes,  which  w«  have 


84 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


looked  upon,  and  our  hands  have  handled,  of  the  word  of  life, 
declare  we  unto  you."  From  the  heart  he  preached  io  the 
heart,  and  seemed  to  enter  into  all  its  secret  recesses.  He 
detected  the  illusions  by  which  it  is  beguiled, — he  traced  hu- 
man action  to  its  hidden  springs, — he  accompanied  the  soul  in 
the  alternations  of  doubt  and  hope,  of  fear  and  joy,  in  its  con- 
flicts with  despair  and  unbelief;  till  led  to  the  foot  of  the  cross, 
it  was  able  to  repose  on  the  promises  of  God,  and  realize  the 
sweet  enjoyment  of  pardon  and  peace. 

3.  He  was  practical.  Some  preachers  are  too  exclusively 
doctrinal.  Others  are  no  less  exclusively  practical.  Mr.  Rich- 
mond avoided  both  extremes.  He  preached  doctrine  practi- 
cally, and  practice  doctrinally.  Both  were  in  their  due  pro- 
portion :  in  their  mutual  dependence,  connexion,  and  use.  He 
connected  precept  with  promise,  and  privilege  with  duty.  As 
a  spiritual  workman,  he  considered  doctrine  to  be  the  founda- 
tion, and  practice  the  superstructure  to  be  erocted  upon  it ; 
adopting  the  sentiment  of  one  of  his  favorite  Reformers, — 
"  truly  it  is  said,  '  without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord  ;'  but  this  I  know,  without  the  Lord,  no  man  shall  see 
holiness."  Thus  the  doctrine  and  its  tendency;  the  opera- 
tion of  the  Spirit,  and  its  gracious  fruits  ;  genuine  faith,  and 
its  necessary  consequences  ;  holiness,  and  the  means  of  at- 
taining  it ;  Christ  the  Saviour,  and  Christ  the  Example  ; 
the  insufficiency  of  works  as  a  procuring  cause  of  salva- 
tion, and  their  indispensable  necessity  not  only  as  evidences, 
but  as  glorifying  God  ;  these  great  and  important  truths 
were  enforced  with  the  fidelity  of  a  Christian  pastor,  and 
with  the  wisdom  of  a  scribe  Well  instructed  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

4.  He  was  comprehensive.  Chiristianity,  in  his  mode  of 
exhibiting  it,  was  a  grand  and  conprehensive  whole  ;  while 
the  symmetry  of  the  several  parts  was  faithfully  preserved. 
He  did  not  give  to  one  part  of  divine  truth  any  undue  pre- 
ponderance over  another. — Each  truth  seemed  to  be  in  its 
right  place,  and  in  its  just  measure  and  proportion.  All  the 
doctrines,  and  all  the  precepts, — all  the  promises,  and  all  the 
characters  to  whom  they  are  made, — all  the  privileges,  and 
all  the  duties,  were,  in  turn,  the  theme  of  his  discourses. 
It  is  this  beautiful  order,  and  harmonious  combination  of  all 
its  various  relations,  that  constitutes  one  of  the  characteris- 
lic  features  of  a  Revelation  from  above.  And  to  present  it 
under  this  form  is  that  rare  talent  which  all  should  endeavor 
to  attain ;  and,  when  attained,  it  forms,  so  far  as  human  in- 


REV.    LEGn  RICII:.IO^'D. 


65 


strumentality  is  concerned,  the  grand  desideratum  of  ministe- 
rial preaching. 

The  well  informed  reader  will  easily  discern  the  old  dimne 
in  this  mode  of  proceeding.  The  highest  Calvinist,  in  former 
days,  took  in  the  whole  range  of  Christian  faith  and  practice. 
Usher  and  others  of  the  supralapsarian  school,  were  as  mi- 
nute and  particular  in  explaining  and  enforcing  the  law,  in  all 
its  ramifications,  as  they  were  full  and  glowing  in  setting  forth 
the  grace  of  the  Gospel ;  and  insisted  as  strenuously  on  the 
necessity  and  importance  of  good  works,  as  the  lowest  Ar- 
minian. 

5.  He  was  impressive  in  his  appeals  to  the  heart  and  con- 
science.  No  man  better  understood  that  part  of  a  discourse 
which  consists  of  the  application.  Some  preachers  are  very 
deficient  in  this  respect  ;  either  wholly  om.itting  to  apply  their 
subject,  or  for  the  most  part  failing  in  discrimination.  A  dis- 
course, to  be  profitable,  must  come  home  to  our  own  case. 

Mr.  Richmond,  in  appealing  to  his  hearers,  was  faithful, 
searching,  forcible,  and  impressive.  "  He  reproved,  rebuked, 
exhorted,  with  all  long-sufiering  and  doctrine  ;"  but  his  ex- 
hortations were  accompanied  by  the  most  affecting  displays 
of  the  mercy,  power,  and  grace  of  God  in  the  gospel ;  and 
while  his  own  experience  of  the  truths  he  uttered,  gave  an 
authority  and  efficacy  to  his  words,  God  put  his  seal  to  the 
testimony,  and  crowned  his  labors  with  success. 

In  presenting  this  delineation  of  Mr.  Richmond's  mode  of 
preaching,  the  editor  feels  there  would  yet  be  something 
wanting,  to  give  its  complete  character,  if  it  were  not  stated 
more. specifically,  that  the  Saviour,  in  his  various  oilkes  of 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  was  the  grand  theme  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's ministrations.  His  excellence,  like  that  of  a  skilful 
painter,  consisted  in  so  arranging  all  the  subordinate  parts  of 
his  picture,  as  to  give  due  prominence  and  effect  to  the  prin- 
cipal figure.  Christ  Jesus  icas  the  soul  of  all  his  discourses  ; 
and  every  precept,  every  promise,  derived  its  force  and  value 
from  its  bearing  in  relation  to  Him. 

A  style  of  preaching  like  this  must  be  allowed  to  be'singu- 
larly  useful,  combining  all  that  is  important  and  requisite  in  a 
Christian  preacher.  .  His  ministry  possessed  two  peculiar 
excellencies ; — it  was  too  practical  to  make  an  Antinomian, 
and  too  doctrinal  to  make  the  mere  moralist.  Antinomianism 
may  indeed  exist,  notwithstanding  the  utmost  precaution  of 
the  preacher  ;  and  a  dependence  on  our  own  works  as  inter- 
woven with  the  very  frame  of  our  corrupt  nature  ;  but  a. 
8* 


86 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


minister  is  only  then  culpable,  when  his  mode  of  preaching  hag 
a  direct  tendency  to  produce  either  the  one  or  the  other.  No 
man  was  ever  more  free  from  both  these  defects,  as  a  preacher, 
nor  any  congregation  more  exempt  than  his  own,  from  these 
pernicious  errors.  In  that  important  branch  of  Christian 
theology,  relating  to  faith  and  works,  where  some  preachers 
are  most  confused,  he  was  most  clear  and  scriptural.  He 
laid  the  foundation  in  Christ  alone,  and  in  faith  in  his  name  ; 
— a  faith  which  was  represented  to  be  the  gift  of  God, 
aiid  the  work  of  his  spirit ;  living,  energetic,  fruitful,  and  holy 
— not  the  cause,  but  the  instrument  of  salvation  ;  and  he  taught, 
that  good  works  were  themselves  the  subjects  of  promise 
(Micah  vii.  19;)  the  necessary  fruits  and  evidences  of  faith, 
but  not  the  meritorious  conditions,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  the 
divine  favor.  It  may  be  thought,  that  where  the  necessity  of 
faith  and  good  works  is  equally  admitted,  distinctions  of  this 
kind  need  not  be  pressed  with  so  much  earnestness  ;  but  it  will 
be  found,  that  the  right  understanding  of  these  distinctions 
involves  the  most  important  consequences.  It  is  not  a  matter 
of  small  moment,  whether  we  put  cause  for  effect,  or  attribute 
to  our  own  imperfect  services,  that  salvation,  which  is  the  re- 
sult of  God's  free  grace  in  Christ  Jesus.  So  far  as  our  own 
doings  enter  into  the  meritorious  grounds  of  our  acceptance, 
they  destroy  the  character  of  the  gospel  as  a  dispensation  of 
gratuitous  mercy.  "  If  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more  of  works  : 
otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But  if  it  be  of  works,  then 
it  is  no  more  grace  ;  otherwise  work  is  no  more  work." — Rom. 
xi.  6.  It  has  been  said,  that  the  poor,  who  constitute  the 
larger  part  of  a  congregation,  are  unable  to  comprehend 
these  theological  subtleties,  which  ought  not,  therefore,  to 
form  a  part  of  ministerial  instruction.  We  cannot  better  meet 
this  objection,  than  by  a  reference  to  the  sentiments  of  Bishop 
Horsley  :- — "  Pray  earnestly  to  God  to  assist  the  ministration 
of  the  word,  by  the  secret  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  on  the 
minds  of  your  hearers  ;  and,  nothing  doubting  that  your  pray- 
ers are  heard,  however  mean  and  illiterate  the  congregation 
may  be,  in  which  you  exercise  your  sacred  functions,  fear  not 
to  set  before  them  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Open  the  whole 
of  your  message  without  reservation ;  that  every  one  of  you 
may  have  confidence  to  say,  when  he  shall  be  called  upon  to 
give  an  account  of  his  stewardship,  'Lord,  I  have  not  hid  thy 
righteousness  within  my  heart ;  1  have  not  concealed  thy 
loving-kindness  and  truth  from  the  great  congregation.'  "* 

*  See  Charges  of  Bishop  Horsley,  p.  16. 


REV.   LEGH  HICH3I0>'D. 


87 


We  will  merely  add  to  this  testimony,  that  the  doctrines  of 
grace  are  often  better  understood  by  the  poor  and  illiterate, 
than  by  the  rich  and  the  wise.  "  I  thank  thee,  O  Father, 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things 
from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto 
babes," — Matt.  xi.  25.  The  cross  of  Christ,  which  is 
declared  to  be,  "to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  to  the 
Greeks  foolishness,"  is,  to  them  that  believe,  "  the  power  of 
God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God." — 1  Cor.  i.  24.  The  recep- 
tion of  divine  truth  demands  not  human  learning,  but  poverty 
and  humiliation  of  spirit.  The  learned  are  required  to  become 
as  fools,  and  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven  as  litlte  children. 
While  to  learning  is  reserved  the  honor  of  defending  the  out- 
works of  religion,  it  is  the  happy  privilege  of  none  but  the 
meek  and  lowly,  whether  learned  or  unlearned,  wise  or  igno- 
rant, rich  or  poor,  to  enter  in  and  be  saved. 

Atler  these  extended  remarks  on  Mr.  Richmond's  mode  of 
preaching  which  the  importance  of  the  subject  seems  to  justify, 
I     we  may  now  be  permitted  to  ask,  how  we  are  to  account  for 
I     that  prevalent  disposition  to  represent  ministers  of  Mr.  Rich- 
I     mond's  sentiments  as  pftaching  nothing  but  exterminating 
decrees,  predestination,  election,  and  reprobation  ;  and  as 
being  incessantly  occupied  in  proclaiming  doctrines  without 
practice,  a  God  without  love,  and  a  faith  without  morality  ? 
j     Surely  it  is  time  to  awake  from  this  illusion,  which  first 
creates  a  phantom,  then  combats  it,  and  afterwards  gains  an 
I     imaginary  triumph  over  a  no  less  imaginary  opponent.  Men 
j     should  not  be  charged  with  consequences  which  they  disavow ; 
much  less  be  accused,  at  one  moment,  of  relaxing  all  the 
obligations  of  moral  virtue,  and  at  the  next,  of  enforcing  them 
beyond  the  bounds  of  reasonable  strictness.    If,  by  the  lan- 
guage above  alluded  to,  it  is  meant  to  attach  the  charge  of 
1     high  Calvinism  to  that  portion  of  the  clergy  who  are  here 
intended  to  be  specified,  then  we  must  reply,  that  high  Col- 
vinism  is  unquestionably  not  the  prevailing  creed  of  those  to 
whom  the  term  is  often  so  indiscriminately  and  ignorantly 
applied.    Many  are  known  to  disclaim  the  title  of  Calvinist 
altogether.    Few,  very  few  are  disposed  to  climb  its  Alpine 
heights  ;  and  the  general  persuasion  seems  to  be,  that  in  the 
construction  of  the  doctrinal  articles  of  our  church,  there  is  a 
sufficient  approximation  of  sentiment  to  prove  a  reaemblance 
to  the  views  of  Calvin,  £^nd  yet  a  sufficient  distinction  to  shew 
that  there  is  not  an  identity.    Party  names  of  any  kind  are 
highly  objectionable  and  offensive  in  a  cause  so  sacred  as  that 


88 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


of  religion,  because  they  seem  to  give  to  erring  man  the  honor 
and  pre-eminence  that  belongs  to  God  alone.  "  Be  not  ye 
called  Rabbi,  for  one  is  your  Master,  even  Christ,  and  all  ye 
are  brethren  :  Call  no  man  your  father  upon  the  earth,  for  one 
is  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  :  Neither  be  ye  called  mas- 
ters, for  one  is  your  Master,  even  Christ." 

But  if  a  term  be  employed  to  designate  the  religious  creed 
of  the  clergy  in  question,  that  of  modified  Calvinism  is,  per- 
haps, the  most  appropriate.  They  conceive  the  Reformers,  in 
the  composition  of  the  Articles,  to  have  discovered  that  happy 
medium  of  doctrine  which  is  free  from  objectionable  extremes, 
which  gives  to  grace,  its  freeness,  and  to  man  the  responsibil- 
ity belonging  to  a  moral  agent ;  and  while  it  ascribes  to  God 
all  the  glory  of  salvation,  charges  the  sinner  with  all  the  guilt 
of  his  own  condemnation.  The  sentiments  of  that  distinguished 
Prelate  whom  we  have  already  quoted,  are,  on  this  subject 
also,  entitled  to  notice.  "  It  has  been  the  fashion,"  he  re- 
marks, "  of  late,  to  talk  of  Arminianism  as  the  system  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  of  Calvinism  as  something  opposite 
to  it,  to  which  the  church  is  hostile.  That  I  may  not  be 
misunderstood  in  what  I  have  sai^*  or  may  have  occasion 
farther  to  say  upon  this  subject,  I  must  here  declare,  that  I 
used  the  words  Arminianism  and  Calvinism  in  that  restricted 
sense  in  which  they  are  generally  taken, — to  denote  the 
doctrinal  part  of  each  system,  as  unconnected  with  the  princi- 
ples either  of  Arminians  or  Calvinists,  upon  church  discipline 
and  church  government.  This  being  premised,  I  assert,  what 
1  have  often  before  asserted,  and  by  God's  grace  I  will 
persist  in  the  assertion  to  my  dying  day, — that  so  far  is  it 
from  the  truth,  that  the  Church  of  England  is  decidedly 
Arminian,  and  hostile  to  Calvinism, — that  the  truth  is  this, — 
that  upon  the  principal  points  in  dispute  between  the  Armin- 
ians and  the  Calvinists, — upon  all  the  points  of  doctrine  char- 
acteristic of  the  two  sects,  the  Church  of  England  maintains 
an  absolute  neutrality  ;  her  articles  explicitly  assert  nothing 
but  what  is  believed  both  by  Arminians  and  Calvinists.  The 
Calvinists,  indeed,  hold  some  opinions  relative  to  the  same 
points,  which  the  Church  of  England  has  not  gone  the  length 
of  asserting  in  her  articles ;  but  neither  has  she  gone  the 
length  o>f  explicitly  contradicting  those  opinions  ;  insomuch, 
that  there  is  nothing  to  hinder  the  Arminian  and  the  highest 
supralapsarian  Calvinist  from  walking  together  in  the  Church 
of  England  and  Ireland  as  friends  and  brothers,  if  they  both 
approve  the  discipline  of  the  church,  and  both  are  willing  to 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


89 


submit  to  it.  Her  discipline  has  been  approved, — it  has  been 
submitted  to, — it  has  been  in  former  times  most  ably  and 
zealously  defended  by  the  highest  supralapsarian  Calvinists. 
Such  was  the  great  Usher  ;  such  was  Whitgift ;  such  were 
many  more  ; — burning  and  shining  lights  of  our  church  in  her 
early  days  (when  first  she  shook  off  the  papal  tyranny)  long 
since  gone  to  the  resting-place  of  the  spirits  of  the  just."* 

If  by  the  charge  of  holdmg  "  a  faith  without  morality,"  it  is 
intended  to  arraign  the  doctrine  of  justification  by  faith,  are 
those  who  make  this  charge  aware  that  they  are  impugning 
one  of  the  Articles  of  their  own  church,  which  expressly  asserts 
this  doctrine  ? — That  it  is  illustrated  at  large,  as  we  have  al- 
ready proved,  in  the  book  of  Homilies  ? — That  it  forms  a  char- 
acteristic  ground  of  distinction  between  the  Protestant  and 
Romish  churches  ;  and  is  one  of  the  fundamental  principles  of 
Christianity  itself?  Once  more  let  us  appeal  to  the  authority 
of  Bishop  Horsley  : — "  That  man  is  justified  by  faith,  without 
the  works  of  the  law,  was  the  uniform  doctrine  of  the  first 
Reformers.  It  is  a  far  more  ancient  doctrine, — it  was  the 
doctrine  of  the  whole  college  of  apostles.  It  is  more  ancient 
still, — it  was  the  doctrine  of  the  prophets.  It  is  older  than 
the  prophets, — it  was  the  religion  of  the  patriarchs. "f 

Nor  can  we  omit  the  insertion  of  the  following  admonitory 
hint  from  the  same  quarter  : — "  Take  special  care,"  says  that 
distinguished  prelate,  "  before  you  aim  your  shafts  at  Calvin- 
ism, that  you  know  what  is  Calvinism,  and  what  is  not  :  that, 
in  that  mass  of  doctrine,  which  it  is  of  late  become  the  fash- 
ion to  abuse,  under  the  name  of  Calvinism,  you  can  distin- 
guish with  certainty  between  that  part  of  it  which  is  nothing 
better  than  Calvinism  ;  and  that  which  belongs  to  our  common 
Christianity,  and  the  general  faith  of  the  reformed  churches  ; 
\est,  when  you  mean  only  to  fall  foul  of  Calvinism,  you  should 
unwarily,  attack  something  more  sacred,  and  of  higher  or- 
igin."^' 

After  this  almost  involuntary  allusion  to  polemical  divinity, 
but  which  the  nature  of  the  subject,  and  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  our  own  church,  seemed  to  render  unavoidable,  we 
cannot  close  this  chapter  without  a  few  reflections. 

It  may  check  the  pride  and  asperity  of  religious  controversy, 
to  remember  that  amidst  the  various  attempts  to  unite  man- 
kind, at  different  periods,  within  the  bounds  of  one  common 
uniformity  of  opinion,  whether  under  the  name  of  Luther,  Cal. 

♦Charges,  p.  21ft— 218. 
t  Charges,  p.  33. 
I  Charges,  226. 


90  JIEMOIRS   OF  THB 

vin,  or  Arminius,  or  under  the  various  subdivisions  of  the  pres. 
sent  day  ;  all  have  alike  failed  in  the  establishment  of  an  uni- 
versal standard.  But  it  well  deserves  our  notice,  that,  while 
each  denomination  claims  a  prefercnpe  for  its  own  peculiari- 
ties, God  has  given  his  blessing  to  all,  wherever  their  aim 
has  been  holy,  their  efforts  earnest,  and  the  essential  truths 
of  Christianity  have  not  been  violated. 

Where,  then,  God  withholds  not  his  blessing,  man  must 
not  withhoW  his  charity  ;  and  though  union  cannot  exist  with- 
out the  essentials  of  religion,  which  are, — faith  in  Christ,  and 
a  confromity  to  his  image,  in  a  renewed  heart  and  a  holy  life — 
yet,  if  these  be  secured,  the  union  is  not  only  practicable,  but 
a  necessary  consequence  ;  for,  if  we  are  members  of  Christ, 
we  are  members  one  of  another.  The  more  we  imbibe  the 
genuine  spirit  of  Christianity,  which  is  a  spirit  of  love,  the 
more  shall  we  be  divested  of  the  shackles  of  party  distinction  ; 
and  be  convinced,  that  the  religion  which  is  from  above,  is  a 
religion,  not  of  names,  but  of  principles  ;  not  of  forms,  but  of 
realities ;  not  "  the  letter,  which  killeth,  but  the  spirit,  which 
giveth  life."  "  God  is  love  ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love, 
dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him."— 1  John  iv.  16.  "  The 
spirit  of  Christianity  is  Christianity.  If  this  be  wanting,  the 
glory  is  departed,  and  nothing  rem.ains  worth  contending 
for."* 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

His  talent  for  extempore  preaching— Authority  and  expediency  of  this  mode  conside- 
red—Family letters— Commencement  of  the  editor's  acquaintance  with  him— Pub- 
lic institutions— Vindication  of  their  character,  necessity,  and  usefulness. 

The  principles  on  which  Mr.  Richmond  formed  his  minisWy 
have  been  laid  before  the  reader  ip  the  preceding  chapter  ;  in 
which  were  stated,  both  the  scriptural  nature  of  his  doctrines, 
and  the  impressive  manner  of  his  delivery.  He  never  failed 
to  attract  a  crowded  congregation,  and  seldom  preached 
without  the  most  decided  proofs  of  divine  power  accompanying 
his  ministrations.  He  also  possessed  many  natural  endow- 
ments,  which  in  no  small  degree  contributed  to  his  success. 
He  was  an  eloquent  speaker  ;  but  his  eloquence  was  not 
labored  and  artificial, — it  was  the  simple  and  glowing  ex- 
pression of  a  mind  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  his 


Cecil's  Remains. 


REV.   LEGH  EICIIMOXD. 


91 


subject,  full  of  affection,  and  intent  on  imparting  the  same 
feeings  to  those  who  heard  him. 

He  used  to  refer  his  friends,  who  conversed  with  him  on 
the  subject  of  preaching,  to  the  advice  of  his  college  tutor  : 
"  Don't  use  terms  of  science.  The  people  have  no  abstract 
ideas, — they  cannot  understand  comparisons  and  allusions 
remote  from  all  their  habits.  Take  words  of  Saxon  deriva- 
tion,  and  not  such  as  are  derived  from  Latin  and  Greek. 
Talk  of  riches,  not  affluence, — of  trust,  not  confidence.  Pre- 
sent  the  same  idea  in  a  varied  form,  and  take  care  that  you 
understand  the  subject  yourself.  If  you  be  intelligent,  you 
will  be  intelligible." 

Mr.  Richmond's  successful  application  of  these  useful  rules 
is  well  known  to  all  who  had  opportunity  of  hearing  his  ser- 
mons. Though  never  offensively  colloquial,  he  was  well  un- 
derstood by  the  most  illiterate  of  his  congregation  ;  nor  was 
he  satisfied  till  he  had  explained  an  idea  in  every  possible 
variety  and  point  of  view.  On  this  account  he  sometimes  seem- 
ed, to  persons  unacquainted  with  his  design,  to  employ  a 
needless  number  of  words.  It  was  once  pleasantly  said  by 
one  who  heard  him — "  An  excellent  sermon,  but  with  too 
many  various  readings." 

He  was  also  singularly  felicitous  in  imparting  interest  to 
what,  in  familiar  phraseology,  is  called  a  dry  subject.  He 
was  once  known  to  preach  an  hour  and  three  quarters,*  on 
the  incidental  evidences  of  Christianity.  On  this  occasion  it 
was  said  by  a  sensible  man  who  heard  him, — "  This  is  indeed 
a  magnificent  sermon  !  I  always  thought  Mr.  Richmond  a 
good  man,  but  I  now  know  him  to  be  a  great  man." 

Mr.  Richmond,  as  we  have  before  noticed,  possessed  a  fine 
taste,  and  an  almost  enthusiastic  admiration  of  the  beauties 
of  nature.  From  these  he  often  selected  illustrations,  and 
embellished  his  subject  with  allusions  to  them.  He  used  to 
say,  "  There  are  three  books  to  be  studied, — the  book  of  ere- 
ation,  the  book  of  providence,  and  the  book  of  grace.  They 
confirm  and  illustrate  each  other." 

These  natural  talents  were  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
religion,  and  gave  an  interest  to  his  preaching,  equalled  by 
few,  and  excelled  by  none. 

*Tbis  sermon  was  one  of  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  evidences  of  Chris- 
tianity, preached  at  Ohiey,  by  the  neighbouring  clergy.  Mr.  Richmond  took, 
his  plan  from  i he  "  Horje  Paulinae,"  and  applied  Dr.  Paley's  principle  to 
every  book  of  Holy  Scripture,  with  preat  in^jenuity  and  success.  It  is  much 
to  be  regretted  that  nothing  remains  of  the  sermon,  except  a  few  short  headi 
.of  diacooirse,  used  by  Mr.  Richmond  at  the  time  of  preaching. 


92 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


The  editor  would  not  be  supposed,  by  these  remarks,  to 
lose  sight  of  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  without  whom 
"nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy."  He  knows  that  the 
Gospel  is  a  mighty  engine,  but  only  mighty  when  God  has 
the  working  of  it."*  Yet  is  it  most  evident,  that  God  is 
pleased  to  make  human  agency,  the  natural  endowments  and 
temperaments,  as  well  as  the  graces  of  his  servants,  subserve 
his  purposes;  and  in  the  selection  of  instruments,  there  is 
always  a  peculiar  fitness  for  the  work  in  which  he  employs 
tRem. 

The  effect  of  Mr.  Richmond's  ministry  was  also  consider- 
ably heightened  by  the  fluency  of  his  addresses.  He  adopted 
a  method  of  preaching  usually  called  extempore  ;  without  pre- 
meditation as  to  the  words  of  a  sermon,  but  not  to  the  exclu- 
sion of  much  previous  prayer,  and  labour  in  the  arrangement 
of  its  materials.  "  It  is  a  singular  circumstance,"  observes 
a  friend  of  his  early  life,  "  that  his  first  attempt  to  preach 
extempore,  in  the  very  small  church  of  Yaverland,  in  the  Isle 
of  Wight,  was  a  total  failure.  He  was  so  ashamed  of  it, 
that  he  declared  he  would  not  repeat  the  attempt ;  and  it  was 
only  in  consequence  of  the  urgent  solicitations  of  our  common 
friend,  the  Rev.  Charles  Hoyle,  that  he  was  induced  to  make 
a  second  trial,  when  he  succeeded  beyond  his  hopes,  and  ne- 
ver afterwards  found  any  difficulty." 

As  a  proof  of  the  eminence  to  which  he  afterwards  attain> 
ed,  we  venture  to  introduce  another  anecdote. 

The  late  Mr.  Whitbread  went  to  hear  him  preach  at  St. 
Paul's,  Bedford,  in  the  year  1807,  accompanied  by  a  friend, 
who  had  expressed  an  earnest  wish  to  be  present.  The 
church  was  remarkably  crowded, — the  preacher  animated, — 
and  the  interest  of  the  congregation  strongly  excited.  The 
gentleman  above  allued  to  at  length  observed  :  "  He  has  now 
preached  with  incredible  fluency,  both  as  to  matter  and  Ian- 
guage  for  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  and  he  does  not  seem 
even  yet  to  be  exhausted,  or  to  be  drawing  to  a  close."  "  Ex- 
hausted!" replied  Mr.  Whitbread  :  "  he  can  hold  on,  in  the 
same  way,  if  necessary,  for  two  or  three  hours  longer." 

We  avail  ourselves  of  this  occasion  to  offer  a  few  remarks 
on  the  subject  of  extempore  preaching. 

This  mode  of  address,  which  has  considerably  prevailed 
during  the  last  twenty  or  thirty  years,  however  acceptable 
to  some,  is  known  to  excite  strong  prejudices  in  the  minds  of 

*  Adams'  private  thoughts. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


93 


others.  It  is  considered  as  an  irregular  and  unauthorized 
practice  ;  incapable  of  that  well-digested  arrangement,  which 
ought  to  charcterize  a  discoiirse  from  the  pulpit  :  and  as 
derogating  from  the  dignity  of  the  ministers  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church.  But  this  objection  regards  the  execution 
rather  than  the  principle  itself ;  and  it  is  the  legitimacy, 
suitableness,  and  efficiency  of  this  practice,  rightly  and  fully 
improved,  which  forms  the  proper  subject  for  consideration. 
Its  legitimacy  will  most  probably  be  thought  by  many  to  be 
the  vulnerable  part  of  the  question  ;  while  the  absence  of  the 
practice  amongst  the  constituted  guardians  of  our  church,  who 
are  supposed  to  be  the  proper  standards  for  our  imitation,  will 
no  doubt  be  appealed  to,  as  furnishing  conclusive  evidence 
affainst  it.  With  regard  to  its  authoritv  we  insert  the  fol- 
lowing  Mandate,  addressed  by  King  Charles  II.  to  the  uni- 
versity of  Cambridge  : — 

"  Vice  Chancellor  and  Gentlemen, — Whereas  his  Majesty 
is  informed,  that  the  practice  of  reading  sermons  is  generally 
taken  up  by  the  preachers  before  the  University,  and  there- 
fore continues  even  before  himself ;  his  Majesty  hath  com- 
manded me  to  signify  to  you  his  pleasure,  that  the  said 
practice,  which  took  its  beginning  from  the  disorders  of  the 
late  times,  be  wholly  laid  aside ;  and  that  the  said  preachers 
deliver  their  sermons,  both  in  Latin  and  English,  by  memory, 
without  book  :  as  being  a  way  of  preaching  which  his  Majesty 
judgeih  most  agreeable  to  the  use  of  foreign  churches^ — 
to  the  custom  of  the  University  heretofore, — and  to  the  nature 
of  that  holy  exercise.  And,  that  his  Majesty's  commands  in 
these  premises  may  be  duly  regarded  and  observed,  his  fur- 
ther pleasure  is,  that  the  names  of  all  such  ecclesiastical  per- 
sons as  shall  continue  the  present  supine  and  slothful  way  of 
preaching,  be  from  time  to  time,  signified  to  me,  by  the 
Vice-chancellor  for  the  time  being,  on  pain  of  his  Majesty's 
displeasure.*  Monmouth," 

"Oc«.  8,  1674." 

This  document,  which  bears  the  stamp  of  royal  authority, 
is  sufficient  to  remove  the  charge  of  innovation  :  and  so  far 
from  extempore  preaching  being,  as  is  commonly  supposed, 
the  exception  to  the  general  rule,  written  sermons  on  the 

*Sec  Statute  Book  of  the  University  of  Cambridge,  p.  301.  Car.  II.  Res- 
9 


94 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


contrary  are  a  departure  from  the  original  practice  ;  for  prior 
to  the  time  of  Charles  I.,  extempore  preaching  was  the 
usual  mode  of  address  from  the  pulpit,  and  the  deviation 
from  this  <:ustom  is  here  expressly  stated  to  be  a  declension 
from  the  zeal  of  former  times,  and  to  have  had  its  source  in 
supineness  and  sloth.  A  reference  to  Fox's  Book  of  Martyrs 
plainly  shows  the  practice  of  the  Reformers. 

In  the  life  of  Bishop  Latimer  we  are  told,  that  "  he  spoke 
with  great  freedom;  and  it  not  then  being  the  custom  for  the 
clergy  to  write  down  their  sermons,  and  read  them,  as  they 
do  now,  to  the  people,  what  he  spoke  on  a  subject  was  full 
of  sincerity,  and  flowed  immediately  and  directly  from  the 
heart."*  With  respect  to  the  usage  of  foreign  churches, 
the  writer  can  declare  from  personal  observation,  that  neither 
in  the  Romish,  Lutheran,  or  Reformed  Churches  ;  neither  in 
France,  the  Netherlands,  Switzerland,  or  Germany,  does 
the  practice  of  using  written  sermons  generally  prevail ;  and 
it  is  a  fact  no  less  extraordinary  than  true,  that  England  is 
the  only  country  where  it  is  known  to  he  estahlishad.  If 
again  we  argue  as  to  the  suitableness  and  efficiency  of  ex- 
temporaneous addresses,  we  might  appeal  to  the  powerful 
effect  produced  by  them,  both  in  the  senate  and  at  the  bar. 
How  could  a  pit,  a  Fox,  a  Burke,  and  a  Sheridan  in  the 
one,  and  an  Erskine  in  the  other,  have  rivalled  the  orators 
of  Greece  and  Rome,  if  the  energies  of  their  minds  had  been 
impeded  by  the  restraints  and  forms"of  written  compositions? 
And  shall  the  divine  and  nobler  cause  of  religion,  which  ex- 
tends to  the  immortal  destinies  of  men,  be  thought  less  worthy 
of  the  sublimest  efforts  of  the  mind,  and  the  most  intense 
application  of  its  powers  ?  Has  not  the  preacher  of  righteous- 
ness materials  of  a  more  ample  range,  and  a  greater  stim- 
ulus to  vigorous  exertion  than. the  advocate  of  a  cause  which 
affects  only  the  interests  of  the  present  moment  ?  But  it  may 
be  a&ked,., are.  all  qualified  to  exercise  this  talent?  We  an- 
swer, let  men  be  raised  to  the  grandeur  of  the  subject,  in- 
stead of  the  grandeur  of  the  subject  being  lowered  to  the 
level  of  the  men, — let  means  be  adopted  to  give  more  of  a 
moral  elevation  to  the  education,  principles,  habits,  and  lives 
of  the  clergy ;  let  doctrine  be  purified  of  its  errors,  and  the 
ambassadors  of  Christ  be  more  abstracted  from  the  conta- 
gious  influence  of  secular  occupations,  and  the  deadening 
effect  of  too  much  worldly  intercourse, — let  the  influences  of 
divine  grace  be  invoked  to  descend  with  their  powerful  energy 

*  See  Latimer's  SermoHS,  2  vols.  8vo.,  1758. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


95 


on  the  heart,  and  we  shall  soon  find  that  preaching,  whether 
extemporaneous  or  otherwise,  will  answer  all  the  purposes 
of  its  institution,  and  religion  regain  its  empire  over  the  soul 
of  man. 

We  now  subjoin  some  important  authorities  to  sanction  this 
practice. 

We  quote  the  following  from  the  life  of  Bishop  Bull,  former- 
ly the  learned  and  pious  bishop  of  St.  David's. — 

"  It  was  but  seldom,"  and  that  upon  some  extraordirary  oc- 
casions that  he  composed  his  sermon  entire,  and  committed  it 
lo  writing  ;  which.is  the  reason  that  he  has  left  so  few  finish- 
ed discourses  behind  him.  His  usual  m.ethod  was,  after  the 
dioice  of  his  text,  to  mark  some  words  that  were  to  be  explain- 
ed, in  order  to  give  the  true  sense  of  that  portion  of  Scripture 
he  had  chosen  to  treat  upon  ;  and  then  he  writ  down  some  ob- 
servations which  flowed  naturally  from  the  subject  ;  and,  un- 
der each  observation,  hints  to  illustrate  it,  and  texts  of  Scrip- 
ture proper  to  be  explained,  in  order  to  give  light  to  it  ;  and 
then  drew  inferences  from'his  whole  discourse,  by  way  of  ap. 
plication.  Thus  he  had  only  the  scheme  of  his  sermon  before 
him  in  writing ;  and  having  in  this  manner  secured  the  sub- 
stance of  it,  he  did,  by  custom  and  practice,  bring  himself  to  a 
great  readiness  and  fluency  in  expressing  himself  upon  all 
subjects  ;  and  if  this  manner  of  preaching  wanted  the  exact- 
ness of  more  studied  composures,  it  had  the  advantage  of  that 
popular  style,  which  by  good  judges  has  been  thought  the  fit- 
test for  the  pulpit ;  from  whence  if  men  design  to  influence 
and  persuade  the  generality  of  their  hearers,  they  must  con- 
descend to  use  more  words  than  are  'necessary  in  a  strict 
sense ;  the  same  thing  must  be  repeated  often,  and  turned 
after  a  different  manner,  and  inculcated  with  force,  so  that 
fre^  and  lasting  impressions  may  be  made  upon  the  au- 
dience. What  Mr.  Bull  delivered  of  this  kind  never  want- 
ed a  becoming  fervor  ;  and  he  enlivened  his  discourses  with 
proper  and  decent  gestures  ;  and  his  voice  wasahvays  exert- 
ed with  some  vehemency,  whereby  he  kept  the  audience 
awake,  and  raised  their  attention  to  what  he  delivered,  and 
persuaded  the  people  that  he  was  in  earnest,  and  affected 
himself  with  what  he  recommended  to  others.  By  these  means 
he  labored  many  years  in  teaching  the  ignorant,  in  confirming 
the  weak,  in  quieting  the  scrupulous,  in  softening  the  hard 
heart,  in  rousing  the  sinner,  and  in  raising  the  pious  soul  to 
a  steady  and  vigorous  pursuit  of  eternal  happiness.  And 
whatever  he  delivered,  his  words  were  generally  fixed  in  the 


96 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


minds  of  his  hearers,  as  they  parted  from  his  own,  full  of 
warmth  and  heat."* 

The  next  authority  is  from  Archbishop  Seeker. 

"  There  is  a  middle  way  used  by  our  predecessors,  of  set- 
ting down,  in  short  notes,  the  method  and  principal  heads,  and 
enlarging  on  them  in  such  words  as  present  themselves  at  the 
time.    Perhaps,  duly  managed,  this  would  be  the  best." 

The  example  of  Bishop  Burnet  may  also  be  adduced  ;  and 
in  his  well-known  work,  entitled,  'The  Pastoral  Care,'  many 
directions  are  given  for  attaining  a  proficiency  in  this  practice, 
from  which  we  quote  the  following  for  its  excellency  and  im-* 
portance. 

But  the  rule  I  have  reserved  last,  is  the  most  necessary  of 
all,  and  without  it,  all  the  rest  will  never  do  the  business  ;  it 
is  this,  that  a  man  must  ha^e  in  himself  a  deep  sense  of  the 
inith  and  power  of  religion  ;  he  must  have  a  life  and  flame  in 
bis  thoughts,  with  relation  to  those  subjects  ;  he  must  have  felt 
in  himself  those  things  which  he  intends  to  explain  and  recom- 
mend to  others.  He  must  observe  narrowly  the  motions  of 
his  own  mind,  the  good  and  bad  effects  that  the  several  sorts 
of  objects  lie  has  before  him,  and  affections  he  feels  within 
him,  have  upon  him  ;  that  so  he  may  have  a  lively  heat  in 
himself,  when  he  speaks  of  them  ;  and  that  he  may  speak  in 
so  sensible  a  manner,  that  it  may  be  almost  felt  that  he  speaks 
from  his  heart.  There  is  an  authority  in  the  simplest  things 
that  can  be  said,  when  they  carry  visible  characters  of  genu- 
ineness in  them.  Now,  if  a  man  can  carry  on  this  method, 
and  by  much  meditation  and  prayer  draw  down  divine  influ- 
ences,  which  are  alwsiys  to  be  expected  v/hen  a  man  puts  him- 
self in  the  way  of  th'em,  and  prepares  himself  for  them:  he 
will  often  feel,  that  while  he  is  musing,  a  fire  is  kindled  within 
him,  and  then  he  will  speak  with  authority  and  without  con- 
straint ;  his  thoughts  will  be  true,  and  his  expressions  free  and 
easy  ;  sometimes  this  fire  will  carry  him,  as  it  were,  out  of 
himself;  and  yet  without  any  thing  that  is  frantic  or  enthusi- 
astical.  Discourses  brought  forth  with  a  lively  spirit  and  heat, 
where  a  composed  gesture,  and  the  proper  motions  of  the  eye 
and  countenance,  and  the  due  modulations  of  the  voice  con- 
cur, will  have  all  the  effect  that  can  be  expected  from  any 
thing  that  is  below  immediate  inspiration  :  and  as  this  will  be 
of  use  to  the  hearers,  so  it  will  be  of  vast  use  to  the  preacher 
himself,  to  oblige  him  to  keep  his  heart  always  in  good  tune 

*  Nelsons's  Life  of  Dr.  George  Bull,  Lord  Bishop  of  St.  David's,  p.  59. 


REV.   LEGII  .RICHMOND. 


97 


and  temper ;  not  to  suffer  irregular  or  forbidden  appetites,  pas- 
sions, or  projects  to  possess  his  mind  :  these  will  both  divert 
him  from  going  on  in  the  course  of  meditation,  in  which  a  man 
must  continue  many  years,  till  all  his  thoughts  are  put  in  order, 
polished  and  fixed  ;  they  will  make  him  likewise  speak  much 
against  the  grain,  with  an  aversion  that  will  be  very  s^ensible 
to  himself,  if  not  to  his  hearers,  if  he  has  guilt  upon  hira,  if 
his  conscience  is  reproaching  him,  and  if  any  ill  practices  are 
putting  a  damp  upon  that  good  sense  of  things,  that  makes 
his  thoughts  sparkle  upon  other  occasions,  and  gives  him 
an  air  and  authority,  a  tone  of  assurance,  and  a  freedom  of 
expression. 

"  Such  a  method  as  I  have  been  opening,  has  had  great  sue- 
cess  with  all  those  that  I  have  known  to  have  tried  it..  And 
though  every  one  has  not  swiftness  of  imagination,  nor  that 
clearness  of  expression  that  others  may  have,  so  that  in  this 
men  may  differ  as  much  as  they  do  in  their  written  composi- 
tions every  man  by  this  metliod  may  rise  far  above  that 
which  he  could  ever  have  attained  to  any  other  ica.yJ^* 

We  now  leave  this  subject  to  the  decisijDn  of  the  reader. 
Enough  has  been  said  to  prove  that  the  Church  of  England, 
in  her  best  days, — in  those  of  the  Reformation, — and  down- 
wards to  the  time  of  Charles  I.,  adopted  extempore  preaching; 
and  that  the  use  of  written  sermons  is  coeval  with  the  pe- 
riod marked  by  the  first  symptoms  of  a  declension  both  in  zeal 
and  doctrine  ;  we  are  therefore  justified  in  expecting  that  a 
revival  of  pure  religion  will  be  accompanied  by  a  return  to 
this  practice,  as  most  suited  to  produce  a  powerful  effect,  and 
most  in  unison  witlvthe  example  of  Protestant  Europe.  To 
those  of  the  clergy  who  may  feel  inclined  to  make  the  attempt, 
we  particularly  recommend  Burnet's  remark,  who  advises  them 
to  make  smaller  excursions,  before  they  indulge  in  a  wider 
range.  Perhaps  in  few  cases  would  it  be  expedient  for  a 
young  man  to  commence  his  ministry  with  extempore  preach- 
ing, which  requires  much  previous  knowledge  of  divine  truth, 
inward  experience  of  its  power,  enlarged  views,  and  facility 
to  express  them.  Time  and  experience  are  necessary  to  form 
and  mature  a  talent  of  this  kind,  as  well  as  to  provide  suitable 
materials  for  its  profitable  exercise.  A  preacher  will  soon 
exhaust  his  resources,  without  a  constant  influx  of  new  sup- 
plies ;  and  repetition,  feebleness,  and  barrenness  of  thought, 
will  take  the  place  of  that  varied  and  powerful  exhibition  of 


*  Pastoral  Care,  p.  232  and  folio  wiog  pages, 

9* 


98 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


divine  truth  so  essential  to  the  success  of  the  ministry.  Not- 
withstanding our  preference  for  extempore  preaching,  we  are 
not  insensible  to  the  defects  to  which  it  is  liable.  There  is  a 
danger  of  neglecting  due  preparation,  of  substituting  fluency 
of  language  for  solidity  of  thought.  If  there  is  a  deficiency  of 
taste  in  the  preacher,  he  may  degenerate  into  a  style  too  col- 
loquial, and  his  ideas  and  images  may  be  unsuitable  to  the  dig- 
nity of  the  pulpit. 

The  old  divines  are  no  less  worthy  of  imitation  for  the  dilli- 
gence  they  used  in  preparing  their  discourses,  than  for  the 
soundness  of  the  doctrines  they  taught.  They  placed  no  sa- 
crifice on  the  altar  without  invoking  fire  from  heaven  to  de- 
scend and  consume  it.  They  thought,  they  prayed,  they  were 
mighty  in  the  scriptures;  and  it  was  a  well-known  saying  among 
them,  "  Give  not  unto  God,  that  which  costs  you  nothing." 

"  He  that  intends  truly  to  preach  the  Gospel,"  says  Bishop 
Burnet,  "  and  not  himself ;  he  that  is  more  concerned  to  da 
good  to  others,  than  to  raise  his  own  fame,  or  to  procure  a  fol- 
lowing after  himself ;  and  that  makes  this  the  measure  of  all 
his  meditations  and  sermons,  that  he  may  put  things  in  the 
best  light,  and  recommend  them  with  the  niost  advantage  to 
his  people ;  that  reads  the  Scriptures  much,  and  meditates 
often  upon  them  ;  that  prays  earnestly  to  God  for  direction  in 
his  labors,  and  for  a  blessing  upon  them  ;  that  directs  his  chief 
endeavors  to  the  most  important,  and  most  indispensable,  as 
well  as  the  most  undeniable  duties  of  religion  ;  and  chiefly, 
to  the  inward  reformation  of  his  hearer's  hearts,  which  will 
certainly  draw  all  other  lesser  matters  after  it ;  and  that  does 
not  spend  his  time,  nor  his  zeal  upon  lesser  or  disputable 
points  ;  this  man,  so  made  and  so  mouldejl,  cannot  miscarry 
in  his  work.  He  will  certainly  succeed  to  some  degree  :  the 
word  spoken  by  him,  shall  not  return  again.  He  shall  have 
his  crown,  and  his  reward  from  his  labors.  And  to  say  all 
that  can  be  said,  in  one  word,  with  St.  Paul,  '  he  shall  both  save 
himself,  and  them  that  hear  him.^  "* 

We  now  close  our  remarks  on  extempore  preaching.  But 
before  we  proceed  with  the  narrative,  we  shall  lay  before  the 
reader  a  few  letters  written  about  this  time  by  Mr.  Richmond, 
to  his  aunt  and  mother.  They  are  not,  indeed,  connected 
with  any  previous  or  subsequent  remarks  of  our  own ;  but 
are  here  introduced  to  preserve  the  chronology  of  the  me- 
moir.   They  are  pleasing  proofs  of  Mr.  Richmond's  affec- 


*  See  Burnet's  Pastoral  Care. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


99 


tionate  attention  to  the  claims  of  his  own  family,  amidst  the 
incessant  demands  of  public  duties. 

"  Turvey,  January  10, 1808. 

"  My  dear  Aunt, — Affection  for  one  so  long  known  and 
loved  must  indeed  be  asleep,  if  I  did  not  hasteri'to  express  my 
tenderest  concern  on  your  account.  My  office  and  station  calls 
me  daily,  in  one  place  or  another,  to  pour  the  blam  of  conso- 
lation into  the  wounded  breast.  I  cannot,  indeed,  comfort 
you  in  person,  but  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  speak  in  my  Lord 
and  Saviour's  name,  I  may  often  do  so  by  letter.  Indeed,  my 
dearest  aunt,  I  shall  be  happy,  in  any  endeavor  I  can  exert, 
to  prove  to  you  how  affectionately,  I  am  interested  in  what 
regards  your  welfare,  both  spiritual  and  temporal.  I  am  daily 
exercised  amongst  the  sick,  the  weak,  the  maimed,  the  suffer- 
ing, and  the  departing  ;  and  am  constantly  reminded  of  the 
uncertainty  of  life,  even  from  one  day  to  another.  What  a 
glorious  light  has  the  word  of  God  thrown  on  the  otherwise 
dark  and  gloomy  uncertainty,  which  would  have  overhung  the 
prospect  of  eternity  !  How  full,  how  free  a  provision  has  our 
gracious  God  revealed  for  the  salvation  of  sinners  who  lay 
hold  on  his  promises  by  faith.  May  you  and  I  be  enabled, 
under  every  trial  and  pang  of  soul  or  body,  to  flee  to  the  strong 
One  for  help,  remembering  that  "  in  all  our  afflictions  he  was 
afflicted." 

"  May  the  reccollection  of  every  past  instance  of  God's 
kindness  lead  you  to  trust  in  him,  and  to  repose  on  his  redeem- 
ing grace  and  love.  May  your  prayer  be  constantly  heard 
and  answered,  when  at  the  throne  of  grace  you  plead  what  a 
Saviour  has  done  and  suffered  for  you,  and  supplicate  for  a 
heart  thankfully  resigned  to  God,  let  what  will  be  his  pleasure 
concerning  you.  I  feel  persuaded  you  will  ascribe  what  I  have 
said  to  a  sincere  affection,  and  a  desire  to  contribute  my  mite 
of  consolation  under  the  trial  which  Providence  has  brought 
upon  you.  May  you  meet  it  with  the  true  spirit  of  Christian 
fortitude.  Sanctified  afflictions  are  the  Lord's  peculiar  mer- 
cies to  those  whom  he  loves.  May  your's  prove  one  of  this 
kind !  Frequent  meditation  on  the  great  change  to  which  we  are 
all  daily  liable,  and  to  which  the  youngest  are  rapidly  hasten- 
ing,— is  highly  profitable  to  the  soul,  and  begets  a  watchful- 
ness and  preparedness  of  mind  for  every  event  and  circum- 
stance. Seasons  of  sickness  and  debility  are  pecurliarly  cal- 
culated to  this  end.  They  are  often  expressly  sent,  that  as 
in  the  day  of  health  and  prosperity  we  are  too  prone  to  forget 


100 


MEMOIES  OF  THE 


the  Author  and  Giver  of  all  our  blessings,  these  messengers 
of  mercy  may  be  the  means,  in  his  Almighty  hands,  of  col- 
lecting our  wandering  thoughts  and  affections,  and  of  fixing 
them  abidingly  on  him.  Receive  these  reflections  from  one 
who  loves  you,  who  wishes  never  to  forget  that  he  is  a  minis- 
ter of  Christ, *%nd  always  Your  affectionate  nephew, 

"  Legh  Richmond," 

"  Turveyy  January  29,  1808. 

"  My  dearest  Mother, 

"  The  return  of  this  day*  reminds  me  of  life,  death,  and 
eternity  ;  it  reminds  me  of  times  past,  and  anticipates  times  to 
come  ;  it  reminds  me  of  my  dear  mother  also,  and  of  the  many 
affectionate  sensations  which  the  successive  anniversaries  of 
my  birth  have  from  year  to  year  given  her,  arising  form  the 
mingled  hope  of  good  and  fear  of  evil.  Sometimes  you  have 
written  to  me  on  this  day  ;  but  lest  a  letter  should  not  be 
penned  between  us,  I  take  up  the  quill  to  write  to  you. 
Accept  my  kind,  tender,  and  dutiful  assurances  of  filial  love 
and  veneration,  and  ten  thousand  thanks  for  all  your  cares 
and  prayers  on  my  account,  for  six-and-thirty  years  ;  nor  ever 
let  it  be  thought  that  I  am  insensible  to  what  I  owe  you. 
Happy  shall  1  feel,  if  enabled  and  permitted  to  contribute  to 
the  ease  and  consolation  of  your  declining  years,  and  to  miti- 
gate the  infirmities  of  old  age,  by  the  duly  applied  exertions 
of  younger  years  !  It  seems  but  a  little  while,  since  I  was  a 
boy  myself,  returning  home  from  season  to  season,  to  enjoy 
the  blessing  and  comfort  of  parental  and  sisterly  society  and 
affection  at  your  home  ;  and  now  I  see  myself  surrounded  by 
my  boys  and  girls  at  my  own  home,  growing  apace  and  pre- 
paring to  occupy  the  station  in  the  world  which  we  now  fill  up. 
It  is  and  old  and  worn-out  remark,  '  how  time  flies  !'  Yet  we 
cannot  help  all  making  it  in  our  turn  ;  we  feel  its  force,  and 
out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh.  One 
cannot  help  sometimes  ejaculating  with  good  old  David,  'Q, 
spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover  my  strength,  before  I  go 
hence  and  be  no  more  seen  !'  What  a  scene  does  eterinty 
present ! — the  years  of  life  past, — early  connexions  dissolved, 
— the  secrets  of  all  hearts  laid  open, — souls  saved  or  lost, — 
Christ,  a  frowning  judge,  or  a  welcome  Saviour, — all  mistakes 
and  errors  in  religion  at  an  end, — every  false  foundation 
undermined, — a  world  in  flames  and  consumed,  as  though  it 
had  never  been, — time  itself  no  more, — eternal  ages  of  ages 

*  His  birth-day. 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3I0ND. 


101 


rolling  on  in  ceaseless  bliss  or  woe  ?  Who  is  sufficient  even  to 
speak  on  these  things  ? 

*'  Pray  for  me,  that  since  the  Lord  has  spared  me  another 
year  I  may  not  prove  such  a  barren  fig-tree  as  heretofore.  I 
could  look  back  on  all  that  is  past,  and  view  myself  as  no 
better  than  a  cumberer  of  the  ground.  But  the  gracious 
Vine-dresser  intercedes,  and  his  prayer  is  full  of  love  and 
mercy  ;  may  the  Ow^ner  of  the  vineyard  hear,  and  answer  it. 
I  have  been  very  unwell,  but  am  now  much  better :  the  poor 
fig-tree  is  not  yet  cut  down.  May  it  bear  fruit  to  the  glory 
of  the  Father.  Accept  our  love,  and  give  it  to  those  around 
you  ;  and  believe  me  your  affectionate  son, 

Legh  Richmond." 

' '  Tui-vey,  March  25,  J  809. 

"My  dearest  Mother, 

"  I  do  indeed  most  sincerely  rejoice  at  your  recovery  from 
so  severe  an  attack  of  your  complaint,  as  that  which  you  des- 
cribe.  May  a  gracious  God  protect  you  under  the  shadow  of 
his  wing,  and  spare  your  valuable  health,  for  all  our  sakes  ; 
may  you  daily  enjoy  more  of  a  sense  of  the  divine  presence  as 
you  advance  in  your  pilgrimage  :  may  you  sometimes  be  fa- 
vored, from  the  top  of  the  mount  of  Pisgah,  with  a  cheerful 
prospect  of  Canaan  ;  and  alv/ays  be  supported  by  the  trust  that 
He  who  hath  begun  the  good  work  in  you,  will  perfect  it  in 
his  own  time.  Your  occasional  doubts  and  fears,  arise  from 
too  much  considering  faith  and  repentance  as  the  grounds, 
rather  than  the  evidences  of  salvation.  The  truth  is,  that  a 
weak  faith  makes  the  soul  as  secure,  though  not  so  happy,  as 
a  strong  one  :  and  an  imperfect  repentance,  as  we  deem  it, 
may  be  sincere,  and  therefore  a  work  of  grace.  Our  salva- 
tion is  not,  because  we  do  so  well,  but  because  '  He  whom  we 
trust,  hath  done  all  things  well.'  The  believing  sinner  is 
never  more  happy  nor  secure,  than  when,  at  the  same  moment, 
he  beholds  and  feels  his  own  vileness,  and  also  his  Saviour's 
excellence. 

I  the  chief  of  sinners  am, 
But  Jesus  died  for  me, 

• 

is  the  burden  of  his  song.  You  look  at  yourself  too  much,  and 
at  the  infinite  price  paid  for  you  too  little.  For  conviction,  it 
is  true,  you  must  look  to  your  own  heart ;  but  for  comfort,  at 
your  own  Saviour.  Thus  the  wounded  Israelites  were  to  look 
only  at  the  brazen  serpent,  for  recovery.    The  graces  of  the 


102 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Spirit,  such  as  love,  patience,  goodness,  faith,  &;c.,  are  good 
things  for  others  to  judge  us  by  ;  but  it  is  Christanity,  as  re- 
ceived, believed  in,  rested  upon,  loved^  and  followed,  that  will 
speak  peace  to  ourselves.  By  looking  unto  Him,  we  shall 
grow  holy  ;  and  the  more  holy  We  grow  the  more  we  shall 
mourn  over  sin,  and  be  sensible  how  very  short  we  come  of 
what  we  yet  desire  to  be.  None  are  so  holy  as  those  who 
mourn  that  they  are  not  more.  so.  While  our  sanctification  is 
a  gradual  and  still  imperfect  work^  our  justification  is  perfect 
and  complete  :  the  former  is  wrought  in  us,  the  latter ^or  us. 
Rely  simply  as  a  worthless  sinner  on  the  Saviour,  and  the 
latter  is  all  your  own,  with  its  accompanying  blessings  of  par- 
don, acceptance,  adoption,  and  the  wow-imputation  of  sin  to 
your  charge.  Hence  will  flow  thankful  obedience,  devoted- 
ness  of  heart,  patience  in  tribulation,  and  quiet  waiting  for  the 
glory  of  God.  Thus,  salvation  is  by  faith  alone  ;  and  thus, 
saving  faith  works  by  love.  Embrace  these  principles  freely, 
fully,  and  impartially,  and  you  will  enjoy  a  truly  scriptural 
peace,  assurance,  and  comfort. 

"  You  would  hear  from  my  dear  wife  somethingof  my  inten- 
ded proceedings,  during  the  ensuing  month  of  May.  She  has, 
of  course,  told  you,  that  I  am  to  preach  the  annual  missionary 
*  sermon,  in  London,  on  Whit-Tuesday.  Mr.  Robinson,  of 
Leicester,  preached  last  year. 

"  I  hope  will  succeed  in  procuring  an  eligible  resi- 
dence. How  I  wish  they  might  fix  'near  a  truly  pious  and  de- 
voted clergyman.  The  importance  of  this  circumstance  should 
never  be  forgotten  in  the  choice  of  a  residence,  and  is  of  far 
greater  importance  than  many  are  disposed  to  consider  it.* 

"May  God  bless,  protect,  and  preserve  you  to  his  own  king. 

dom.    Love  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H  ,  from  all  here  and  from 

"  Your  affectionate  son,  Legh  Richmond.'* 

*  How  many,  who  have  a  good  support  for  their  famili?s,  for  mere  purposes 
of  worldly  gain,  removt^  to  sections  of  the  country,  wliere  the  regular  ordinan- 
ces of  religion  are  not  found,  and  where  schools  and  religious  institutions  are 
unknown.  Thus  their  children  grow  up  in  ignorance  and  sin,  and  become 
a  curse  to  themselves  and  society.  How  cheaply  do  such  parents  sacrifice  the 
interests  of  the  soul  and  eternity,  for  the  riches  of  earth.  We  would  not  dis- 
courage emigration,  but  we  would  invoke  every  parent,  not  to  choose  his  resi- 

^dence  beyond  appointed  means  of  grace.  It  has  pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness 

'of  preaching,  to  save  them  that  believe. 

We  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  colonies  of  a  dozen  or  more  pious  fam- 
ilies going  forth  to  the  more  destitute  parts,  carrying  with  them  all  the  reli- 
gious iiisututions  of  the  day.  New  t-eftlements  thus  formed,  might  not  need 
afterward  to  be  evangelized,  but  would  themselves  exert  a  salutary  inlfluence 
on  present  and  future  generations.—^wier.  Ed, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


103 


It  was  towards  the  close  of  the  year  1808,  that  the  writer 
of  this  memoir  first  became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Richmond  ; 
and  as  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  occurrence  were 
of  a  nature  that  led  to  a  very  confidential  intercourse,  termi- 
natingonly  with  the  decease  of  his  revered  and  much-beloved 
friend,  he  trusts  he  shall  be  excused  for  briefly  adverting  to 
the  subject. 

Soon  after  his  entrance  into  the  ministry,  the  serious  charge 
first  attracted  his  attention,  that  the  Gospel  was  not  general- 
ly  preached  with  fidelity  and  correctness  by  the  clergy.  As 
this  accusation  was  circulated  in  the  neighbourhood  where  he 
then  lived,  and  he  was  included  in  the  supposed  number  of  the 
delinquents,  it  awakened  serious  reflections  in  his  mind. 

Having  adopted  the  profession  of'the  church  under  a  strong 
predilection  for  its  duties,  he  was  disposed,  in  the  first  in- 
stance, to  repel  this  insinuation,  with  a  deep  sense  of  injured 
feeling  ;  not  wholly  unmingled  with  indignation  ;  and  to  attri- 
bute it  to  the  prevalence  of  dissent  in  that  particular  vicinity. 
But  the  question  immediately  suggested  itself, —  Wliy  was 
there  a  prevalence  of  dissent ;  and  did  not  this  fact  of  itsel  f  con- 
stitute a  grave  and  momentous  charge^  affecting  the  character 
and  credit  of  the  clergy  ?  The  fact,  of  the  poor  usually  forming 
the  larger  portion  of  the  seceders,  contributed  in  no  small  de- 
gree to  rouse  his  conscience,  and  to  call  for  deliberate  and 
solemn  inquiry. 

At  that  period,  the  religious  views  of  the  writer  in  common 
with  those  of  many  others,  were  of  the  following  nature, — 
that  we  were  to  fulfil  every  appointed  duty  to  the  best  of  our 
ability,  and  that  all  deficiencies  would  be  supplied  by  the  merits 
of  the  Redeemer;  thus  making  the  sinner's  salvation,  princi- 
pally, the  effect  of  his  own  merits,  and  considering  those  of  the 
Saviour  merely  as  supplementary  to  them.  The  corruption 
and  entire  alienation  of  the  human  heart  from  God,  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  renewing  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the 
manner  of  their  operation,  were  very  inadequately  understood 
by  him ;  and  consequently,  very  obscurely  stated  from  the 
pulpit ;  and  yet  he  was  diligent  in  his  parochial  duties,  zealous 
as  a  preacher  of  righteousness,  and  aimed  at  holiness  in  his 
life,  without  ever  being  able  to  attain  what  he  so  earnestly 
desired.  After  various  attempts  to  satisfy  his  conscience,  the 
suggestion  gradually  presented  itself,  that  it  was  possible  he 
might  hold  erroneous  views,  however  unconscious  of  their  na- 
ture  and  extent ;  and  the  awful  words  of  the  apostle,  "  Woe 
unto  me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel,"  began  to  fill  his  m.ind  with 


104 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


trouble  and  dismay.  Not  to  dwell  on  a  series  of  minor  cir- 
cumstances, the  idea  which  was  first  admitted  as  a  'possibil- 
ity,  assumed  the  character  of  probability ;  and,  for  a  period 
of  two  years,  his  mind  was  kept  in  a  state  of  painful  conflict ; 
during  which,  many  a  prayer  was  offered  up  to  the  Father 
of  lights,  and  to  the  God  of  all  mercy ;  and  the  promise  un- 
ceasingly  pleaded, — "If  any  man  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of 
God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not ;  and 
it  shall  be  given  him." — James  i.  5. 

At  the  expiration  of  this  time  a  dying  friend  sent  him 
Romaine's  twelve  Discourses  on  the  Law  and  the  Gospel ; 
earnestly  expressing  a  hope,  that  the  perusal  of  them  might  be 
as  useful  to  him,  as  she  had  found  it  to  be  to  herself.  It  was 
to  this  book  that  the  writer  owed  the  solution  of  all  his  diffi- 
culties,  and  the  first  clear  and  spiritual  conviction  of  the  mode 
of  a  sinner's  acceptance  before  God  ;  from  it  he  discovered, 
that  the  law  can  never  save,  either  in  whole  or  in  part, — that 
its  office  is  rather  to  condemn,  "  as  the  killing  letter,"  and 
"  the  ministration  unto  death,"  because  it  requires  that  perfect 
and  unsinning  obedience,  which  no  man  can  perform  ;  and  in 
the  absence  of  such  obedience,  pronounces  the  awful  sentence, 
— "  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things,  which 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them."* — Gal.  iii. 
10.*  Thus  the  law  becomes  "  a  school-master,  to  lead  us  to 
Christ," — that  the  condemned  and  guilty  sinner  may  see  the 
grace  and  glory  of  that  redemption  which  is  revealed  in  the 
Gospel ;  and  disclaiming  all  self-dependance,  may  seek  and 
find  acceptance  from  the  unmerited  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus.  The  work  entitled,  '  The  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,'  of  which  an  account  has  already  been  given,  was,  at 
the  same  time,  just  published  in  numbers  ;  and,  from  a  con- 
viction  that  none  were  likely  to  be  better  guides,  in  the  right 
interpretation  of  the  doctrines  of  the  church  of  England,  than 
those  who  framed  them,  the  writer  began  to  read  the  above 
publication  with  great  interest.  Shortly  afterwards,  he  was 
removed  to  his  present  residence,  at  Biddenham,  but  not 
before  he  had  been  permitted  to  see  some  very  decided  fruits 
from  his  change  of  views,  and  from  a  more  scriptural  style  of 
preaching.  The  parish  of  Biddenham  not  being  further  dis- 
tant from  Turvey  than  six  miles,  he  frequently  heard  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  character  and  proceedings  ;  and  having  expressed 
a  strong  desire  to  cultivate  his  acquaintance,  this  wish  was 
shortly  after  gratified. 

*See  also  Daniel  ix,  11. 


REV.  LEGH  RICnMOKD. 


105 


As  he  was  one  morning  engaged  in  reading  the  '  Fathers,' 
the  name  of  Mr.  Richmond  was  announced,  and  he  immediate- 
ly entered  the  room.  After  a  few  general  remarks,  "  What  is 
the  book,  sir,"  he  asked,  that  you  are  reading  ?"  "  The  '  Fa- 
thers of  the  Enghsh  Church,'  "  I  repHed.  "  What  is  the 
nature  of  the  work,  and  your  opinion  of  its  merits  ?"  I  ob- 
served, that  I  had  been  led  by  a  train  of  circumstances  to  ex- 
amine very  minutely  into  the  real  purport  and  character  of  the 
doctrines  of  our  church,  from  a  conviction  that  a  great  diver  - 
sity of  opinion  prevailed  on  the  subject  ;  and  that  instead  of 
being  directed  by  any  modern  guide,  it  appeared  to  me  to  be 
the  duty  of  a  conscientious  minister,  to  trace  its  doctrines  to 
the  writings  of  those  men  by  whose  labors  it  had  been  estab- 
lished.  That  a  work  had  lately  been  published,  professing  to 
contain  copious  extracts  from  the  writings  of  the  Reformers, 
which  I  considered  to  be  a  most  invaluable  performance  ;  that 
I  was  deriving  much  benefit  and  edification  from  it  ;  and  that 
if  it  were  read  by  the  clergy  generally,  I  thought  it  would  be 
attended  with  very  important  consequences.  Seeing  a  smile 
upon  his  countenance,  I  inquired,  "  Why  do  you  smile,  sir  ?" 
*'  It  is  owing,"  he  replied,  "  to  the  singularity  of  our  conver- 
sation ;  and  you  yourself  will,  perhaps,  smile,  and  be  surprised, 
when  1  inform  you  that  the  editor  of  the  work,  in  the  praise  of 
which  you  are  so  earnest,  is  now  before  you."  "  You  the 
author  of  this  work?"  *' Yes,"  he  replied,  "I  am  the  compi-. 
ler."  He  then  related  the  facts  that  have  already  been  re- 
corded, as  to  the  manner  in  which  he  first  became  possessed 
of  the  writings  of  the  Reformers.  The  interest  excited  in  ray 
mind  by  this  communication,  and  by  the  whole  of  the  interview 
awakened  a  strong  wish  to  cultivate  a  nearer  intercourse  with 
so  valuable  a  character  ;  and  the  foundation  was  soon  laid  of 
an  intimacy  which  the  experience  of  every  year  increased  and 
strengthened — the  harmony  of  which  was  never  interrupted 
for  a  day,  an  hour,  or  a  moment ;  and  which  was  the  source 
of  increasing  profit,  comfort  and  happiness,  to  its  lamented 
close.  Little  did  I  think,  when  this  first  interview  occurred 
with  my  estimable  friend,  that  we  were  afterwards  to  be 
frequent  companions  in  many  a  labor  of  love, — in  many  a 
public  cause  ;  and  to  share,  with  mutual  sympathy,  in  the 
various  events  that  have  occurred  since  that  period  ; — that  f 
then  saw  before  me  the  man  with  whom  I  was  to  be  leagued 
in  the  closest  bonds  of  intimacy, — that  I  shouJd  be  called  upon 
to  officiate  in  baptizing  his  children,  marrying  his  daughters^ 
and  burying  two  of  his  sons  ;  and,  finally,  that  it  would  be  my 
10 


106 


me:,ioirs  of  the 


mournful  duty,  amidst  the  tears  of  his  bereaved  family  and 
sorrowing  parishioners,  to  perform  the  last  sad  offices  for 
himself! 

Shortly  "afte^r  the  above  interview,  Mr.  Kichmond  was 
requested  to  preach  at  Biddenham.  It  was  the  first  time  that 
I  had  ever  heard  a  minister  of  his  sentiments.  The  clearness, 
the  ability,  and  the  impressive  manner,  in  which  he  unfolded 
the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel, — the  earnest  and  affectionate 
appeals  that  he  made  to  the  conscience  ;  the  skill  with  which 
he  discriminated  the  different  classes  of  his  hearers,  the  aston- 
ishing fluency  of  his  utterance,  and  the  earnestness  both  of  the 
preacher  and  the  congregation,  awakened  in  me  a  train  of  so- 
lemn reflections,  and  especially  on  the  value  of  public  preach- 
ing, when  conducted  on  such  principles,  and  accompanied  with 
such  holy  and  devout  affections.  An  intense  interest  and  a 
heavenly  fervor  seemed  to  be  depicted  in  every  countenance, 
and  to  be  felt  in  every  heart.  I  shared  in  the  same  emotions, 
but  they  were  accompanied  by  a  great  depression  of  feeling, 
and  a  conviction  that  1  was  wholly  unworthy  to  enter  the  same 
pulpit ;  nor  shall  I  ever  forget  the  seasonable  remark  of  a 
pious  old  man,  on  the  following  morning,  who,  in  dwelling  on 
the  excellencies  of  the  preceding  day's  discourse,  observed, 
"  The  grace  that  God  has  given  to  him,  he  can  give  both  to 
you  and  me;  for  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons." 

The  writer  being  called  away  for  a  short  time,  by  some  fa- 
mily circumstances ;  Mr.  Richmond  undertook  to  assist  him, 
and  supply  the  duty  at  Biddenham  and  at  the  adjoining  parish 
of  Stagsden.  It  was  during  this  interval  that  he  received  from 
him  the  two  following  letters. 

"  Turvey,  February  8, 1 809. 
"  My  dear  Friend, — 1  sincerely  pray  that  you  may  be  re- 
stored to  your  parishes  in  that  happy  frame  which  may,  under 
a  divine  blessing,  render  j^ou  to  them,  and  them  to  you,  a 
mutual  comfort.  A  general  interest  and  inquiry  is  excited 
in  your  whole  vicinity,  to  hear  you,  and  the  word  of  God  from 
your  lips.  May  you  be  directed  and  enabled,  by  the  Searcher 
of  all  hearts,  to  preach  Jesus  Christ  freely,  fully,  and  eftectu- 
ally,  both  to  unconverted  and  converted  sinners.  Do  not 
shun  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Keep  in  mind  that 
excellent  rule  I  mentioned  the  other  morning  :  '  never  preach 
gl  single  sermort,  from  which  an  unenlighted  hearer  might 
not  learn  the  plan  of  Salvation,  even  though  he  never  after- 
w«irds  heard  another  discourse.'    Sin  and  salvation  are  the 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


107 


two  grand  subjects  of  our  preaching ;  and  they  ought  to  be 
brought  forward  unceasingly,  both  doctrinally,  practically, 
and,  above  all,  experimentally.  Preach  from  the  h^art,  and 
it  will  always  reach  the  heart.  I  always  find  that  when  I 
speak  from  the  inward  feelings  of  my  own  heart,  with  respect 
to  the  workings  of  inbred  corruption,  earnest  desire  after  sal- 
vation, a  sense  of  my  own  nothingness,  and  my  Saviour's  ful- 
ness, the  people  hear,  feel,  are  edified,  and  strengthened. 
Whereas,  if  I  descend  to  mere  formal  or  cold  explanations  of 
particulars  which  do  not  affact  the  great  question — "  What 
must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?" — my  hearers  and  I  grow  languid 
and  dull  together,  and  no  good  is  done. 

"  Many  of  our  hearers  have  been  accustomed  to  attend  at 
various  descriptions  of  meeting-houses.  The  general  charac- 
ter of  meeting-house  piety  is  simple,  earnest,  scriptural, 
plain,  and  interesting, — the  awful  condition  of  a  sinner,  in 
his  natural  state,  and  the  consolations  and  promises  of  a 
Saviour  are  dwelt  upon  throughout  their  prayers  and  dis- 
courses. Thus  far  all  is  good  ;  and  we  must  do  the  same, 
if  we  would  regain  or  retain  our  congregations.  Thus  the 
fathers  of  the  English  church  preached  to  our  elders  and  pre- 
decessors ; — thus  preached  Romaine,  Walker,  Venn,  Ber- 
ridge,  Milner,  Newton,  &c.  ;  and  thus  souls  were  saved,  and 
the  church  of  England  flourished^  and  was  built  up  under 
their  ministry.  May  you  and  I  do  so  likewise,  and  daily  see 
the  fruit  of  our  labors,  in  the  growth  of  our  people  in  divine 
knowledge. 

"  You  see  I  speak  to  you  with  the  freedom  of  a  brother  ; 
you  have  given  me  liberty  so  to  do.  I  esteem  you  highly  for 
it,  and  thank  you  for  the  confidence  you  repose  in  me  ;  I  only 
desire  to  use  it  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  souls. 
Having  some  little  experience  in  the  ministry,  and  knowing 
a  good  deal  of  the  character  and  circumstances  of  the  peo- 
ple, both  religious  and  irreligious,  in  this  neighborhood,  I  may 
sometimes  have  it  in  my  power  to  suggest  hints,  and  commu- 
nicate information,  that  may  be  useful  and  satifactory  to 
you.  But  above  all,  pray  fervently  to  God  for  a  blessing  on 
yourself,  your  preaching,  your  people,  on  the  church  of  God, 
and  last,  though  not  least,  on  your  unworthy  friend  and  bro- 
ther, L.  Richmond." 

Turvey  Feb.  20,  1809. 
"  My  dear  friend  and  Brother, — I  promised  you  an  account 
of  my  proceedings  with  respect  to  your  parishes,  and  now  sit 


108 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


down  to  fulfil  that  promise.  My  friend  who  engaged  to  as- 
sist me,  having  been  prevented  from  coming  here,  I  was 
under  the  necessity  of  fixing  a  later  hour  for  the  services  at 
Biddenhara,  ^but  it  was  perfectly  agreeable  to  your  people, 
and  to  many  even  more  agreeable,  than  if  I  had  served  your 
church  at  the  usual  time. 

"  Your  churches  have  been  overflowing  as  to  the  number 
of  hearers,  and  I  trust  God  will  bless  the  work  amongst 
them  ;  I  preached  for  you  also  at  Biddenham  on  the  Fast- 
day  : — I  had  every  reason  to  be  highly  satisfied  with  the  gen- 
eral appearances  of  things,  during  the  three  weeks  I  preach- 
ed at  Biddenham.  Our  truly  Christian  friends,  the  B.'s,  did 
every  thing  possible  to  promote  my  comfort,  and  the  general 
good  of  our  holy  cause.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  12th  ultimo,  I  arrived  for  the  first  time  at  Stagsden  ;*  the 
wliole  school  were  assembled  in  the  church,  and  a  fine  con- 
gregation. I  preached  a  sermon  on  the  opening  of  the 
school.  When  the  service  was  over,  I  desired  the  children 
and  their  relations  to  come  into  the  chancel,  where  I  gave 
them  a  familiar  address,  by  way  of  encouragement,  and  spoke 
to  them  individually  on  their  respective  duties.  I  yesterday 
went  to  Stagsden  iigain,  later  in  the  afternoon,  being  unable 
to  get  there  so  early  as  I  wished,  and  found  a  noble  congre- 
gation indeed.  After  service  I  inspected  the  school,  and 
made  a  few  regulations  lor  order  and  decency,  which  will 
await  your  approbation.  I  have  been  very  desirous  that  the 
first  impressions  on  the  minds  of  the  scholars,  and  that  of 
the  parish  at  large,  should  be,  that  it  is  a  religious  as  well 
as  a  literary  institution  ;  and  I  think  I  have  succeeded.  I 
visited  this  morning  two  dying  parishioners  of  Stagsden,  one 
at  North-end,  and  the  other  at  Bury-end.  Both,  alas  !  with 
little  light.  I  have  said  and  done  every  thing  I  could 
amongst  the  people  to  pave  the  way,  as  I  trust,  for  your 
comfortable  labors  amongst  them.  I  shall  hope  to  see  you  as 
soon  as  you  return,  as  I  shall  be  glad  to  enter  into  fuller 
details  of  several  little  particulars  which  may  be  for  your  sat- 
isfaction, and  that  of  the  parishes.  One  day  at  Biddenham, 
I  conversed  individually  with  several  of  your  parishioners,  and 
ivas  happy  to  find  that  some  young  persons  have  been  seri- 
ously impressed  under  your  ministry.  Some  others  also  spoke 
to  me,  and  desired  to  be  kindly  remembered,  particularly  one 

*  A  neighboring  village,  the  curucy  of  whicii  was,  at  that  time  attached  to 
Biddenham. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


109 


named   .    I  propose  going  next  week  to  see  your 

Biddenham  flock  once  more  before  you  return. 

"  Having  given  you  some  account  of  your  parochial  trans- 
actions, allow  me  to  express  my  earnest  wishes  for  your  spir- 
itual prosperity,  both  as  it  concerns  your  own  inward  expe- 
rience and  outward  ministry^  I  feel  persuaded,  that  you 
will  every  day  increasingly  discover  your  infinite  obligation 
to  our  common  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  has  led  you  by  his 
grace,  to  discern  between  good  and  evil,  truth  and  error, 
"  salvation  by  works,  and  salvation  by  grace  through  faith 
alone.  I  cannot  help  feeling  an  affectionate  and  brotherly 
concern  and  regard  towards  you,  from  having  so  exactly  trod 
over  a  similar  ground.  I  have  known  the  difficulty  of  giving 
up  all  for  Christ, — of  ceasing  to  do  and  speak  as  the  world 
around  me  did  ; — I  have  felt  the  necessity  of  denying  myself, 
— taking  up  the  cross,  and  following  our  Lord.  I  (^ffer  up 
my  prayers,  that  your  mind  may  be  strengthened  unto  the 
clearest  views  of  every  essential  truth,  and  unto  firm  resolu- 
tions to  walk  in  the  good  old  way  of  our  forefathers. 

"  God  appears  to  have  prepared  you  a  people  for  your  la- 
bors, and  they  are  anxiously  awaiting  your  arrival.  May  the 
Lord  give  you  many  of  them  as  souls  for  your  hire  ! 

Allow  me  with  all  the  confidence  and  anxiety  which  friend- 
ship and  a  desire  to  serve  the  interest  of  our  great  cause  in- 
spire, to  give  it  as  my  decided  advice  (founded  on  observation, 
and  on  the  state  of  feeling  and  habit  amongst  religious  people 
in  general,)  that  you  study  even  the  prejudices  of  those  amongst 
whom  you  may  labor,  against  all  worldly  conformity,  that  might 
injure  the  weight  and  influence  of  your  ministry  .Public,  and 
some  private  amusements,  are  viewed  with  peculiar  dislike 
and  disapprobation  by  good  people  in  general.  Those  v/ho 
have  not  been  accustomed  to  converse  intimately  with  that 
most  respectable  part  of  the  community,  the  middle  and 
lower  ranks  of  religious  persons,  would  hardly  conceive  how 
strong  their  feelings  are  upon  those  points  which  others  often 
view  as  trivial.  1  merely  mention  these  things,  because  I 
have  myself  found  the  necessity  of  attending  to  them,  far  be- 
yond what  I  at  first  supposed.  I  feel  a  deep  interest  for 
your  happiness,  and  the  success  of  your  ministry.  I  view  it 
as  a  matter  of  providential  mercy,  that  you  are  thrown  into 
this  new  situation,  and  trust  great  good  will  arise  from  it  to 
you,  and  to  the  people^ 
10* 


no 


MEMOIES  OF  THE 


"  I  am  much  obliged  by  the  friendly  confidence  with  which 
you  have  treated  me,  and  pray  God  that  our  intercourse  may 
be  truly  blest. 

*'  I  ought  lo  apologize  for  so  long  a  letter,  but  I  have  been 
insensibly  led  to  be  prolix.  I  shall  preach,  and  visit  the  new 
Sunday  school  at  Stagsden  on  Sunday  next,  and  shall  pay 
one  more  visit  to  your  people  at  Biddenham,  in  the  middle  of 
next  week ;  at  the  end  of  which  I  hope  God  will  restore  you 
in  safety  to  'your  work  and  your  reward.'  May  the  free, 
sovereign,  unmerited,  and  effectual  grace  of  God,  give  you 
all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places  with  Christ  Jesus.  1 
commend  you  to  his  high  and  holy  keeping,  and  desire  you  to 
be  assured  with  how  great  sincerity  I  am  your  unworthy  fel- 
low laborer,  L.  Richmond." 

The»writer  of  this  memoir  cannot  help  here  observing,  how 
much  he  recognized  the  hand  of  Providence  in  leading  him  to 
a  neighbourhood  which  abounded  with  so  many  privileges  of  a 
religious  nature,  and  where  he  found  so  experienced  and  use- 
ful a  guide  as  Mr.  Richmond.  In  his  former  residence,  with 
the  exception  of  an  endeared  friend,  the  want  of  these  ad- 
vantages was  highly  injurious  to  his  progress  in  the  knowl- 
edge  of  religion.  In  this  way  we  discover  the  goodness  and 
wisdom  of  Providence,  in  the  various  circumstances  and 
events  of  our  lives,  in  appointing  the  bounds  of  our  habita- 
tion, and  placing  us  when  and  where  his  Almighty  wisdom 
and  love  see  to  be  most  suited  to  the  purposes  of  his  grace, 
and  of  our  own  welfare  and  advancement  in  holiness. 

It  was  about  this  period,  in  the  year  1809,  that  those 
great  institutions,  whose  subsequent  career  is  so  well  known, 
suddenly  emerged  from  a  state  of  comparative  obscurity,  and 
by  a  kind  of  simultaneous  movement  engrossed  the  popular 
favor  and  sanction,  from  one  extremity  of  the  kingdom  to 
the  other.  Men  were  at  length  roused  from  their  apathy, 
and  seized  with  avidity  the  opportunity  now  presented  of  re- 
deeming the  guilt  of  past  neglect.  On  the  other  hand,  feel- 
ings of  disapprobation,  or  of  more  avowed  opposition,  were 
manifested  in  certain  quarters,  and  ministers  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church  were  subjected  to  much  misrepresentation  and 
censure,  on  account  of  their  attachment  to  these  societies. 
It  seems,  therefore,  not  irrelevant,  in  recording  the  life  of 
one  who  was  a  most  active  friend  and  able  supporter  of  these 
institutions,  to  offer  a  few  remarks,  in  vindication  of  the  mo- 


REV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


Ill 


tives  which  induced  Mr.  Richmond  and  others  to  afford  them 
their  zealous  co-operation. 

The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  first  claims  our 
notice. 

If  ever  there  was  a  loud  call  for  making  an  extended  ef- 
fort to  circulate  the  inspired  Volume,  it  was  at  the  period  of 
the  establishment  of  this  society.  At  home  the  poison  of 
infidelity  had  been  propagated  with  singular  malignity  and 
perseverance  ;  while  a  sufficient  supply  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
the  only  antidote  capable  of  arresting  its  progress  was  not  to 
be  obtained. 

On  the  continent  of  Europe,  where  this  deficiency  existed  to 
a  much  greater  extent,  an  anti-social  and  anti-religious  con- 
federacy  had  long  been  actively  at  work,"'  and  atheism  itself 
had  been  proclaimed  with  the  authority  and  sanction  of  law.  j- 
The  moral  restraints,  so  necessary  to  be  imposed  on  the  pas- 
sions of  men,  being  thus  withdrawn,  a  system  of  demoraliza- 
tion had  gradually  diffused  itself  throughout  civilized  Europe, 
and  the  grreat  fabric  of  civil  and  religious  societv  had  long  been 
threatened  with  dissolution.  The  attempt,  theretore,  at  such 
a  moment  of  disorder  and  confusion,  to  bring  men  back  to  the 
important  sanctions  of  a  divine  Revelation,  seemed  to  be  no- 
thing less  than  an  act  of  heavenly  interposition,  and  a  visible 
fulfilment  of  the  promise,  that  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
against  the  interests  of  the  church  of  God  ; — it  was  to  erect 
the  most  powerful  barrier  against  the  future  encroachments 
of  infidelity  ;  and,  viewed  in  this  light,  it  seemed  like  the  bow 
in  the  heavens,  the  pledge  that  the  world  was  not  to  be  again 
destroyed  by  the  overwhelming  flood. 

It  is  a  delightful  reflection,  that  Great  Britain  was  the  first 
to  stem  the  torrent,  and,  during  a  period  of  prevailing  infidelity, 
to  form  an  institution,  whose  object  was  to  dispense  the  bread 
of  life  at  home  and  abroad,  to  every  nation  under  heaven. 

To  effect  this  grand  enterprise  of  Christian  benevolence,  men 
of  all  ranks  and  denominations,  laying  aside  party  distinctions, 
met  on  common  ground,  and  exhibited  an  union  hitherto  un- 
known in  the  annals  of  Christendom  ; — an  union  of  all  hands 
and  of  all  hearts  ;  holy  in  its  character,  and  yielding  the  fruits 
of  righteouness  and  peace  ; — an  union,  presenting  to  the  world 
a  new  weapon  to  silence  the  vauntings  of  the  adversary,  and 

*  See  Barruel's  Jocol)in  Conspiracy  on  this  subject,  and  another  work  of 
similar  character,  by  Professor  Robinsou. 

t  A  decree  passed,  during  the  French  revoaltion,  in  the  National  Convention, 
declaring  that  there  was  no  God  1 


112 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tending  to  the  fulfilment  of  the  prayer  of  the  divine  Interces- 
sor,— "  that  they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me, 
and  I  in  thee  ;  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us,  that  the  world 
may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me."  John  xvii,  21. 

Cheering  as  were  the  prospects  afforded  by  this  union  of 
the  Christian  world  ;  an  union  without  compromise  of  princi- 
ple, and  whose  sole  object  was  to  lift  up  the  standard  of  di- 
vine truth,  that  all  nations  might  gather  around  it, — yet  there 
never  was  an  institution  which  encountered  a  more  systematic 
opposition. 

It  was  maintained,  and  no  doubt  with  all  the  sincerity  of 
conviction,  that  the  circulation  of  the  Bible  alone,  unaccom- 
panied by  the  Prayer  Book,  the  proper  and  authorized  symbol 
of  the  Established  Church,  must  ukimately  prove  fatal  to  that 
church,  and  yet,  if  the  Prayer  Book  be  in  accordance  with 
the  Bible,  as  the  members  of  the  Established  Church  believe 
and  avow,  does  it  not  seem  at  variance  with  the  allowed  con- 
nexion  of  cause  and  etfect,  to  suppose  that  a  principle,  in  its 
tendency  and  design,  can  be  subversive  of  that  with  which  it 
is  identified';  or  that  the  Bible,  which  propagates  nothing  but 
truth,  and  therefore  is  opposed  to  nothing  but  error,  can  pos- 
sibly lead  to  such  a  disastrous  issue  1  It  would  certainly  have 
been  a  strange  anomaly  in  morals,  as  well  as  in  argumenta- 
tive reasoning,  for  the  future  historian  to  have  recorded,  that 
in  the  sixteenth  century  the  Church  of  England  was  first 
erected  on  the  foundation  of  the  Bible,  and  of  the  Bible 
alone  ;  and  yet  that,  in  the  nineteenth  century,  it  was  un- 
dermined and  finally  overthrown  by  the  same  instrumentality  : 
thus  exhibiting  the  extraordinary  spectacle  of  a  church  subvert- 
ed by  the  identical  cause  to  which  it  owed  its  original  esta- 
blishment. The  Bible,  the  Bible  alone,  says  the  immortal  Chil- 
lingworth,  is  the  religion  of  Protestants ;  and  the  Church  of 
England  has  recorded  the  same  declaration  in  one  of  her  Ar- 
ticles. Its  members,  therefore,  have  nothing  to  apprehend 
from  the  circulation  of  the  sacred  volume.  They  have  only 
to  fear  "  the  worm  at  the  root,"  the  decay  of  sound  and  scrip- 
tural principles,  to  obviate  which  the  Bible  furnishes  the  best 
antidote. 

But  while  the  sufficiency  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  is  allowed 
to  be  the  doctrine  of  our  own  church,  and  the  fundamental 
principle  of  the  Protestant  faith,  another  objection  was  urged 
at  this  time,  with  no  less  frequency,  namely,  that  the  union  of 
such  discordant  materials  (as  they  were  called)  as  churchmen 
and  dissenters,  would  prove  totally  impracticable.  Without 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


113 


referring  to  the  characteristic  feature  of  Christianity,  which 
is  to  unite  all  men  into  one  holy  brotherhood,  we  will  here 
argue  the  questiou  rather  as  a  matter  of  fact,  than  of  specula- 
tion. The  harmony  of  this  union  has  now  continued  during  a 
long  lapse  of  years,  without  experiencing  any  interruption  ; 
and  it  has  owed  its  preservation  to  the  uniform  fidelity  with 
which  the  Society  has  adhered  to  its  fundamental  principle,  viz. 
the  exclusion  of  note  and  comment ; — restricting  its  members 
to  the  simple  recognition  of  one  great  truth, — that  the  inspir- 
ed volume  is  the  common  standard  of  faith  and  practice  to  all 
mankind.  It  is  true  that  disunion  in  the  councils  of  the  Socie- 
ty has  unhappily  occurred,  but  it  arose  from  other  causes, 
which  w^e  need  not  specify,  because  they  are  too  well-known  ; 
and  it  is  not  less  known,  that  they  were  wholly  unconnected 
with  the  union  of  churchmen  and  dissenters.  The  writer  can  al- 
so add  his  own  testimony  in  the  following  remarkable  fact,  that 
during  an  intercourse  of  eight  years'  continuance  with  the  late 
Rev.  Mr.  Toller,  an  eminent  and  amiable  dissenting  minister 
at  Kettering,  with  whom  he  was  associated  as  Secretary  to 
the  Northamptonshire  Bible  Society,  so  numerous  were  the 
subjects  of  discussion  in  which  they  were  found  to  agree,  that 
there  was  neitheropportunity  nor  inclination  to  introduce  those 
in  which  they  differed.  Instances  might  also  be  enumerated 
to  prove  the  tendency  of  this  Society  to  soften  political  differ- 
ences, and  national  animosities.  Mr.  Baker  and  Mr.  Plomer, 
two  rival  candidates  for  the  representation  of  the  county  of 
Hertford,  first  met  together  without  feelings  of  asperity,  on  the 
platform  of  a  Bible  Society,  and  after  the  meeting,  expressed 
their  mutual  satisfaction  in  embracing  each  other  as  friends. 
In  a  similar  manner,  the  late  Mr.  Whitbread  seconded  a  reso- 
lution at  the  London  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  which  Lord  Cas- 
tlereagh  had  previously  moved  ;  stating,  that  in  such  a  cause 
he  forgot  the  opponent,  and  recognized  only  the  friend.  An- 
other interesting  fact  may  also  be  stated.  After  the  anni- 
versary of  the  Paris  Bible  Society,  in  the  year  1826,  the 
writer  met  a  warm  and  distinguished  friend  of  the  cause, 
the  Admiral  Count  Verhuel,  who,  two  years  before,  had 
attended  the  great  annual  meeting  in  London,  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  French  Bible  Society,  and  occupied  a  seat 
next  to  Admiral  Lord  Gambier.  On  requesting  to  know  what 
were  his  feelings  on  that  occasion,  he  replied,  "  I  remember 
the  time  when  Lord  Gambier  and  myself  could  not  have  stood 
so  near  each  other,  without  each  holding  a  sword  in  our  hands. 
At  that  time  we  did  not  feel  the  want  of  our  swords  ;  we  suffer- 


114 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


ed  them  to  remain  in  the  scabbard ;  we  had  no  sword,  but  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit,  and  '  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  is  the  word 
of  God.'  "  "  Would  it  not,"  I  added,  "  be  a  matter  of  regret 
to  you  to  be  again  engaged  in  a  war  with  Grpat  Britain  ?"  I 
should  always,"  he  answered,  "  regret  to  be  at  war  with  a 
countrj^  that  is  so  nobly  engaged  in  sending  the  Gospel  of 
peace  throughout  the  world." 

Anecdotes  like  these  are  the  best  refutation  of  objections 
such  as  we  have  already  enumerated.  A  uniting  principle 
cannot  possibly  be  a  bad  principle  ;  the  spirit  of  love  is  the 
spirit  of  Christ  and  of  true  religion  ;  while  prejudice  contracts 
the  heart,  and  fills  the  mind  with  injurious  surmises  ;  it  finds 
a  vulnerable  part  in  every  limb  of  an  Achilles,  and  a  defect 
and  blemish  in  every  feature  of  a  Venus. 

The  Church  Missionary  Society  next  merits  attention. 
That  we  may  duly  appreciate  the  motives  which  led  to  the 
establishment  of  this  institution,  it  is  necessary  to  state,  that, 
prior  to  its  formation,  the  only  society  in  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, exclusively  devoted  to  missionary  objects,  was  the  Socie- 
ty for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts.  Though 
this  designation  seemed  to  imply  a  character  of  universality 
in  its  labors,  they  were,  in  fact,  restricted  to  the  British  colo- 
nies in  North  America.  In  addition  to  this  limited  scene  of 
exertion,  the  Society  for  promoting  Christian  Knowledge 
united  with  its  other  operations  the  charge  and  superintend- 
ence of  the  Danish  mission  at  Tranquebar,  and  the  field  of  la- 
bor formerly  occupied  with  such  distinguished  success  by  the 
apostolic  Swartz  ;  and  yet  their  laborers  did  not  exceed  four 
or  five  in  number ;  while  so  inadequate  were  the  funds  for 
the  support  of  this  undertaking,  that  the  missionaries  were 
accustomed  to  contribute  towards  its  expenses  from  their  own 
salary,  and  sometimes  even  from  their  personal  property. 
Such  was  the  extent  of  missionary  exertion  in  the  Church  of 
England  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century. 

With  the  knowledge  of  these  facts,  it  appeared  to  several 
pious  and  reflecting  minds,  that  an  effort  ought  to  be  made, 
more  commensurate  with  the  credit  and  dignity  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church,  the  claims  of  the  Heathen,  and  the  ample 
facilities  possessed  by  this  country  for  communicating  the 
blessings  of  the  Gospel.  Without  therefore,  presuming  to  im- 
peach existing  Societies  for  neglecting  a  field  of  labor  which 
they  never  undertook  to  cultivate,  duty  loudly  demanded  a  vi- 
gorous effort  to  rouse  the  dormant  energies  of  the  public  and  to 
stimulate  British  Christians  to  dispense  that  Gospel  which  the 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


115 


providence  and  grace  of  God  had  entrusted  to  their  hands. 
The  appeal  was  made,  nor  was  it  made  in  vain ;  and  the 
Church  Missionary  Society,  forming  its  plans  on  the  doctrine 
and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England,  commenced  its  ca- 
reer, by  selecting  Africa  and  the  East  as  the  scene  of  its  ope- 
rations. 

It  is  due  to  this  Society  to  state,  that,  considering  the  diiii- 
culties  it  had  to  encounter,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  all  its 
proceedings  have  been  marked  by  singular  judgment,  uniform 
Christian  conciliation,  a  well  regulated  and  chastised  zeal, 
and  that  which  forms  the  real  and  effective  weapon  of  all  mis- 
sionary enterprise, — a  spirit  of  humility,  and  faith  in  the 
power  and  promises  of  God.  It  is  also  no  small  praise,  that 
this  society  was  the  first  in  the  Church  of  England  that  ever 
attempted  to  7'epair  the  wrongs  of  injured  Africa,  hy  confer- 
ring upon  it  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel : — and  the  first  that 
wiped  away  the  reproach  from  our  church,  of  having  never 
sent  laborers  from  among  her  oivn  sons,  to  go  forth  in  the  cause 
of  the  Heathen.  We  may  however  now  refer  with  emotions 
of  gratitude  and  praise,  to  her  missionary  seminary,  to  the 
living  witnesses  of  reving  piety,  and  to  those  who  have  already 
finished  their  course  with  joy,  after  having  bornfe  the  heat 
and  burden  of  the  day,  leaving  others  to  reap  the  harvest 
which  they  sowed  in  tears.  Such  were  Martyn,  and  John- 
son, and  Brooks,  and  Palmer,  and  others  like-minded  ;  of 
whom  we  may  exclaim,  "  these  all  died  in  faith,  not  having 
received  the  promises,  but  having  seen  them  afar  off,  and 
were  persuaded  of  them,  and  embraced  them,  and  confessed 
that  they  were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth."  Heb.  xi, 
13.  This  Society  is  at  present  honored  with  the  sanction  of 
nine  of  the  prelates  of  the  church. 

The  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the  Jews 
owes  its  origin  to  the  conviction,  that,  amidst  the  prevailing 
desire  to  extend  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  to  the  world  at 
large,  the  exclusion  of  the  ancient  people  of  God  was  an  act 
unauthorised  and  unjust.  The  divine  command  is  positive 
and  express,  "  Go  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.'" 
The  Jews,  therefore,  must  be  supposed  to  be  included  in  this 
command,  and  to  have  all  the  common  claims  of  the  Hea- 
then, with  the  prior  rights  of  the  Jew.  The  order  emphati- 
cally given,  was  begin  at  Jerusalem  and  the  Gospel 
is  represented  to  be  the  power  of  God,  "  to  the  Jew  first, 
and  also  to  the  Greek."  The  assertion  that  the  Jews  are 
not  to  be  converted  by  human  agency,  but  by  some  extraor- 


116 


MUMOIRS  OF  THE 


dinary  display  of  Almighty  power, — that  the  time  is  not  yet 
come, — that  they  are  in  a  state  of  judicial  blindness,  and  too 
degraded  to  encourage  any  reasonable  hope  for  their  conver- 
sion, forms  no  ground  for  the  neglect  of  the  divine  command. 
The  Jew  is  an  alien  from  God,  and  needs  mercy;  and  it  is 
this  need,  and  the  authority  of  a  divine  command,  that  consti- 
tute  his  riglit  to  the  offer, — if  he  reject  it,  the  responsibility 
is  his  own, — if  the  offer  be  withheld,  the  responsibility  is 
ours  ;  because  it  is  not  the  secret  purpose  of  God,  but  his  de- 
clared will,  that  is  the  basis  and  rule  of  our  conduct.  The 
difficulties  of  the  attempt  may  be  alleged,  but  difficulties  form 
no  justification  for  disobeying  a  divine  command.  Besides, 
what  are  difficulties  in  the  hand  of  Omnipotence  !  What  is 
moral  darkness  to  him,  that  can  turn  darkness  into  the  light 
of  noon-day  ! 

At  the  very  moment  in  which  we  are  now  writing,  the  ex- 
traordinary signs  of  the  times,  and  the  gradual  waning  of  the 
Crescent  on  the  shores  of  the  false  prophet,  give  a  character 
of  intense  interest  to  the  future  destinies  of  the  Jewish  na- 
tion. If  the  grand  crisis,  indicated  by  prophecy,  tQ  which 
the  servants  of  God  look  with  anxious  solicitude,  should  in- 
deed be  approaching  ;  who  does  not  see,  in  the  events  which 
will  probably  follow  that  crisis,  the  removal  of  an  apparent 
barrier  to  the  accomplishment  of  the  purposes  of  God  respect- 
ing his  ancient  people  ?  It  is  true  that  the  "  times  and  sea- 
sons the  Father  hath  reserved  in  his  own  hands,"  nor  is  it 
for  erring  mortals  presumptuously  to  intrude  into  the  secrets 
of  his  counsel.  But  as  the  Almighty  has  connected  the  ful- 
filment of  his  purposes  with  the  agency  of  certain  causes, — , 
when  this  agency  seems  to  be  exerted,  we  may  turn  with  joy. 
ful  hope,  and  hail  the  hour  of  Israel's  salvation.  "  There 
shall  come  out  of  Zion  the  Deliverer,  who  shall  turn  away 
ungodliness  from  Jacob." 

Nor  ought  we  to  omit,  as  a  most  powerful  argument  in  favor 
of  this  society,  that  the  promises  will  never  receive  their  final 
accomplishment,  nor  the  Church  of  Christ  attain  to  the  full 
maturity  of  its  high  and  holy  calling,  till  the  natural  branches 
be  again  garfted  in  by  the  same  Almighty  power  which  suf- 
fered their  excision. 

It  is,  however,  important  to  state  distinctly,  that  this  so- 
ciety does  not  take  its  sanction  from  the  prophecies  which 
respect  the  final  restoration  of  the  Jews.  Nor  does  it  pre- 
sume to  determine  in  what  manner,  or  at  what  period,  the 
Jews,  as  a  nation,  are  to  be  converted  ;  whether  by  some 
miraculous  interposition,  or  by  human  instrumentality,  or  by 


SEV,   LEGH  RICmIO^-D. 


117 


both.  These  subjects  it  leaves  to  every  man's  private 
judgment,  and  is  not  responsible  tor  the  peculiar  sentiments 
of  any  of  its  advocates.  It  acts  on  the  simple  principle  of 
precept  and  duty ; — that  the  Jew  has  long  rejected  the  faith 
of  Christ,  and  yet  cannot  be  saved  without  it  ;  and  that  it  is 
our  bounden  obligation,  as  Christians,  to  direct  him  to  the 
remedy  which  ice  possess,  and  vvhich  he  needs.  This  is  the 
foundation  on  which  the  society  prefers  its  claim.  The  re- 
vealed purpose  and  design  of  God  is  an  encouragement  to 
its  faith,  but  it  is  his  divine  command  alone  which  is  the  rule 
and  authority  for  its  undertaking.  So  long  as  it  adheres  to 
this  fundamental  principle,  it  occupies  a  station  from  which 
no  sophistry  or  ingenuity  of  argument  can  dislodge  it.  If  it 
departs  from  this  simple  principle,  and  in  its  public  proceed- 
ings, shall  ever  be  led  to  mingle  matters  of  doubtful  dispu- 
tation, it  may  gratify  the  predilections  of  a  few,  but  will  not 
fail  to  alienate  others.  The  society's  strength  and  wisdom 
is  evidently  to  adopt  a  course  in  which  none  can  disagree,  and 
all  may  be  willing  to  unite. 

There  is  another  institution  which  demands  our  notice, — = 
the  Prayer-book  and  Homily  Society.  In  the  navy,  no  means 
existed  of  distributing  the  book  of  Common  Prayer  among 
that  valuable  body  of  men  who  risk  their  lives  for  the  defence 
of  their  country.  The  society  was  formed  to  supply  this  de- 
ficiency. But,  independently  of  this  call  for  its  exertions, 
Prayer-books  were  generally  published  and  circulated  at  that 
time,  without  the  insertion  of  the  Articles  of  our  Church  ; — 
those  Articles  which  are  the  appointed  standard  of  her  doc- 
trine, the  guide  to  her  worshippers,  and  the  intended  se- 
curity  against  all  declensions  and  corruptions  in  her  faith  ! 
As  a  consequence  of  this  omission,  a  large  portion  of  her 
members  were  utterly  unacquainted  with  the  very  existence 
of  those  Articles, — and  a  reference  to  them  in  the  pulpit  had 
become  a  matter  of  rare  occurrence. 

We  may  further  observe,  that  not  a  single  copy  of  the  book 
of  Homilies  was  to  be  obtained  through  the  medium  of  any 
existing  society  in  the  Church  of  England.  And  yet  these 
very  Homihes  were  set  forth  by  authority,  originally  appoint- 
ed to  be  read  in  churches  by  the  ministers,  diligently  and 
distinctly ;  and  are  recognised  in  the  Articles,  to  which  every 
minister  declares  his  solemn  assent,  as  "  containing  a  godly 
and  wholesome  doctrine  !"  When,  therefore,  these  neces- 
sary  bulwarks  of  our  church,  the  Articles  which  record  her 
faith,  and  the  Homilies  which  illustrate  and  enforce  it,  were 
11 


118 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


thus  allowed  to  remain  almost  inaccessible,  we  would  ask  of 
every  impartial  and  reflecting  mind,  whether  there  was  not 
just  ground  of  apprehension  that  the  purity  of  Christian  doc- 
trine  might  be  ultimately  corrupted  ? — whether  the  general 
tone  of  preaching  in  our  pulpits  at  that  time,  and  before  that 
time,  did  not,  in  many  respects,  justify  that  apprehension  ? — 
and  whether  doctrine  was  not  treated  as  an  inconsiderable 
part  of  Christianity,  and  practical  duties  held  up  as  the  sum 
and  substance  of  true  religion  ]  At  the  suggestion,  therefore, 
of  Mr.  Richmond,  the  book  of  Homilies  was  added  to  the  so- 
ciety's original  object. 

The  unpromising  state  of  public  feeling,  prior  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  these  societies,  has  already  been  adverted  to. 
The  change  subsequently  produced  is  obvious  to  all.  We 
may  hence  learn  an  important  lesson : — a  nation,  compara- 
tively speaking,  may  be  sunk  in  religious  apathy;  the  zeal 
and  piety  of  churches  may  lie  dormant,  and  the  prospect  may 
appear  dark  and  lowering.  But  amidst  general  declensions, 
some  characters  are  always  preserved  by  the  power  and 
grace  of  God  from  the  contaminating  effects  of  surrounding 
lukewarmness  ;  and  it  is  to  their  efforts  that  we  must  look, 
at  such  times,  for  the  needed  revival.  If  it  be  asked,  how 
are  these  efforts  to  be  employed  ?  We  answer,  strike  the 
rock,  and  never  doubt  that  the  copious  stream  will  issue  forth  : 
— use  the  necessary  means,  in  dependance  upon  a  divine  pow- 
er, and  let  the  public  mind  be  roused  and  excited.  Men  have 
intelligence,  affections,  conscience,  and  capacities  of  action. 
These  properties  may  grow  torpid,  but  they  are  not  extin- 
guished ;  they  require  only  to  be  called  into  action.  Let  us 
deal,  then,  with  men  as  moral  agents.  Let  us  address  to 
the  understanding,  arguments  calculated  to  inform  and  con- 
vince ; — to  the  heart  what  is  likely  to  impress  and  engage  its 
affections  ; — and  to  the  conscience  what  is  best  suited  to 
rouse  it  from  its  state  of  torpor.  Let  us  apply  the  exciting 
principle,  and  be  unwearied  in  invoking  the  influences  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  which  can  alone  crown  our  efforts  with  success, . 
and  God  "  will  open  rivers  in  high  places,  and  fountains  in 
the  midst  of  the  valleys  ;  he  will  make  the  wilderness  a  pool  of 
water,  and  the  dry  land  springs  of  water. ^' 

Let  churches  and  states,  legislators  and  prelates,  ministers 
of  the  sanctuary,  and  individuals  in  their  respective  families, 
adopt  this  principle  ;  and  communities  will  prosper,  churches 
will  revive,  and  the  domestic  altar  will  never  want  a  sacri- 
fice, nor  God  withhold  a  blessing. 


REV.   LEGH  EICmiO>;D. 


119 


And  yet  it  is  this  very  principle  of  excitement,  as  applied 
to  the  religious  institutions  of  the  day,  which  has  been  most 
strongly  censured.  The  system  of  public  meetings,  the  ad- 
dresses,  sermons,  biblical  and  missionary  tours,  have  been 
made  the  subject  of  severe  reprehension  by  the  opponents  of 
these  societies.  But  it  is  this  very  system  which  has  elicited 
the  moral  energies  of  the  country,  and  given  one  simultaneous 
and  unparalleled  impulse  to  all  its  public  institutions.  By  its 
direct  or  indirect  tendency,  it  has  localized  among  us  every 
form  of  charity  that  can  afford  an  asylum  to  distress, — to 
crime,  the  means  of  reformation, — to  ignorance,  the  benefit  of 
instruction,— and  to  penitent  guilt,  the  hope  of  mercy  and 
salvation.  And  while  it  has  conferred  such  blessings  at 
home,  it  has  procured  for  our  land  the  honorable  appellation 
of  "  The  Zion  of  the  whole  earth."  It  is  to  the  publicity  of 
these  societies,  next  to  their  intrinsic  value  and  importance, 
that  we  are  to  ascribe  so  large  a  portion  of  their  popularity 
and  success.  If  they  were  less  public,  they  M  ould  be  less 
known  ;  if  they  were  less  known,  they  would  be  less  supported  ; 
and  if  they  were  less  supported,  their  efficiency  would  be  pro- 
portionably  impaired.  An  institution,  to  be  popular  in  this 
country,  must  be  brought  into  contact  icith  public  opinion. 
The  men  who  conduct  it  must  ^  see?i,  heard,  known,  loved, 
and  respected ;  the  subject  of  it  must  be  carried  Jiome  to  the 
heart,  and  descend  through  all  the  various  gradations  in  society ; 
be  as  accessible  to  the  poor  as  to  the  rich, — to  the  unlearned,  as 
to  the  learned, — to  the  humblest  cottage,  as  tothelordly  mansion. 
It  will  thus  secure  the  patronage  and  liberality  of  the  wealthy, 
the  approbation  of  the  wise,  and  the  benediction  of  the  poor. 
These  advantages  have  pre-eminently  distinguished  the  insti- 
tutions of  which  we  are  speaking  ;  and  so  long  as  the  princi- 
ple of  publicity  characterizes  almost  every  undertaking  of  a 
secular  nature,  why  are  religious  objects  alone  to  be  debarred 
the  benefit  of  this  principle,  where  the  application  of  strong 
stimulants  is  the  more  necessary,  in  proportion  as  the  end  pro- 
posed is  more  momentous,  and  men  are  less  disposed  to  appre- 
preciate  its  importance  ? 

But  Mr.  Richmond,  and  others  of  the  clergy  who  have  been 
most  active  in  supporting  these  institutions,  have  been  charged 
with  absenting  themselves  from  their  parishes,  and  have  been 
branded  with  the  title  of  itinerants.  Nothing  is  more  easy 
than  to  use  terms  of  reproach  ;  but  reproach  is  not  argument. 
The  real  and  only  question  for  consideration  is,  whether 
Christianity  is  a  dispensation,  the  blessings  of  which  we  are 


120 


3IEM0IRS  OF  THE 


commanded  to  publish  to  all  mankind  ? — whether  this  object 
can  be  accomplished  without  the  medium  of  public  societies  ? — 
and  whether  public  societies  can  be  effectively  carried  on 
without  the  agency  of  public  advocates  ?  The  result  of  ex- 
perience  is  conclusive,  that  societies  of  this  kind,  depending 
only  on  local  means  for  their  support,  are  in  the  most  declining 
state.  Men,  too,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  contributing  their 
money  to  a  public  cause,  think,  and  with  justice,  that  they  are 
entitled,  in  return,  to  a  detail  of  its  operations,  from  those 
who  by  their  connexion  with  the  parent  institution,  and  the 
sources  to  which  they  have  access,  are  best  qualified  to  com- 
municate  information.  Admitting,  then,  the  justness  of  these 
remarks, — from  what  class  are  public  advocates  to  be  selected? 
From  among  laymen  or  ministers  ?  The  professional  habits, 
experience,  and  education  of  the  latter,  evidently  constitute 
them  the  fittest  organs  of  communication  to  all  religious  institu- 
tions.  How  to  reconcile  these  public  exertions  with  parochial 
duties,  is,  therefore,  the  only  remaining  consideration.  Let 
it  be  observed,  then,  that  every  clergyman  is  legally  entitled 
to  an  absence  of  three  months  in  every  year  on  the  presump- 
tion that  he  will  provide  a  proper,  substitute.*  If,  then,  a 
minister  unconnected  with. public  objects,  should  choose  to 
avail  himself  of  this  privilagfe,  for  the  purpose  of  aljov/able 
recreation,  or  from  any  other  motive,  would  his  conduct  be 
considered  as  affording  any  reasonable  ground  for  reproach  ? 
Why,  then,  should  another  minister,  in  the  exercise  of  the 
same  privilege,  and  using  the  same  precautions,  be  the  subject 
of  animadversion,  because,  instead  of  appropriating  the  allotted 
period  to  a  watering  place,  or  to  any  other  object,  his  princi- 
ples and  conscience  lead  him  to  devote  his  leisure  to  the  more 
important  claims  of  a  religious  institution. 

Each  Itinerates  ;  each  is  occasionally  absent  from  his  pj^rish  ; 
— with  this  distinction,  that  one  is  occupied  with  engagements 
most  interesting  to  himself;  the  other  consecrates  his  lime, 
his  talents,  and  his  strength,  to  the  service  of  the  cause  of 
God,  and  leaves  for  a  while  the  limited,  though  important 
scene  of  his  own  parish,  to  aid  in  the  dissemination  of  light 
and  knowledge  to  the  remotest  regions  of  the  earth. 

Another  charge  urged,  v/ith  equal  injustice,  against  these 
societies,  is,  that  they  assume  an  authority  with  which  they  are 
not  legally  invested^  that  they  are  self -constituted  and  self, 
authorized.    As  this  accusation  has  been  often  and  publicly 


*  This  has  reference  to  ministers  of  the  established  cluirch,-— Amer.  EdL 


EEV.   LZGH  RICHMOND. 


121 


repeated  and  may  seem  to  have  acquired  some  validity  from 
the  occasions  on  which  it  has  been  uttered,  it  must  not  pass 
unnoticed. 

The  Church  Missionary  Society,  as  well  as  others  of 
recent  origin  in  the  Established  Church,  was  a  voluntary 
association,  founded  on  the  principle,  and  resting  on  the  basis, 
of  all  other  similar  associations  ;  and,  therefore,  to  impeach 
one  is  to  impeach  all,  and  to  strike  at  the  root  of  every 
voluntary  association  throughout  the  kingdom. 

If  it  be  said,  that  it  is  its  religious  character,  and  its 
usurpation  of  rights  that  can  only  be  legally  exercised  by 
chartered  bodies,  that  forms  the  real  ground  of  offence  ; — 
this  charge  will  be  found  to  militate  equally  against  the  claims 
of  another  venerable  society,  which,  though  aiming  at  a 
religious  end,  nevertheless  owes  its  origin  to  a  voluntary 
association,  and  possesses  no  chartered  right,  nor  specific 
legal  character,  to  the  present  hour.  The  weapon,  therefore, 
that  is  raised  to  assault  a  foe,  may  unconsciously  intiict  a 
wound  upon  a  friend. 

We  might  rest  the  question  of  authority  simply  on  the 
ground  of  imperious  necessity,  which  is  a  law  in  itself  super- 
seding all  other  considerations.  The  appalling  character  of 
the  tunes,  the  wants  of  mankind,  and  the  inadequacy  of 
existing  means,  loudly  called  for  the  establishment  of  these 
societies.  We  might  also  urge,  that  the  power  and  the  will 
to  do  good  constitute  the  authority  to  do  good  ;  and  that,  so 
long  as  souls  are  immortal,  the  first  dut}-  of  christian  zeal  is  to 
employ  means  to  save  them.  But  we  content  ourselves  by 
referring  to  an  authority  against  which  there  is  no  appeal, — 
the  authority  of  public  opinion  :  that  public  opinion  which 
exercises  its  vigilant  control  over  all  human  proceedings  ; 
which  legislates  both  for  Governments  and  Churches  ;  ajid 
erects  a  tribunal  to  the  decisions  of  which  the  throne  and  the 
altar  are  alike  compelled  to  be  ultimately  subject.  To 
arraign,  therefore,  these  public  institutions,  is  in  fact  to  ar- 
raign  public  opinion,  which  has  decided  that  they  were  needed, 
and  has  thought  proper  to  sanction  them  by  its  support  ;  and 
so  long  as  it  honors  them  with  such  tokens  of  its  confidence, 
and  makes  them  the  depositories  of  its  bounty,  it  surely  be- 
comes  a  pararaout  obligation  to  fulfil  the  trust.  To  act  oth- 
erwise, would  be  to  shrink  from  a  duty,  while  in  posses- 
sion  of  the  means  of  performing  it ;  to  alienate  a  friend,  per- 
haps  wuhout  the  hope  of  gaining  an  enemy.  It  is  to  with- 
draw,  when  success  encourages  us  to  advance  ;  and  to  sound 
11* 


322 


MEMOIRS  OF  THU 


a  retreat,  with  the  pledges  of  spiritual  conquest  in  our  haudffy 
It  is  to  commit  a  double  fraud  ;  a  fraud  on  those  at  home,  who 
are  willing  to  give ; — and  on  those  abroad,  who  are  no  less  will- 
ing to  receive.  It  is  to  abandon  scenes  of  labor  which  God 
has  specially  honored  with  his  blessing;  and  to  extinguish 
the  light  of  the  Gospel  where  it  has  begun  ta  shed  its  dawn, 
with  the  glorious  and  animating  prospect  of  shining  more 
and  more  unto  the  perfect  day." 

We  lament  any  disposition  to  depreciate  societies,  which 
confer  so  much  lustre  on  the  present  age,  and  which  are 
so  eminently  calculated  to  uphold  the  moral  dignity  of  our 
Church,  and  to  extend  its  usefulness.  The  period  no  longer 
exists,  when  the  name  alone  of  the  Church  of  England  was 
sufficient  to  inspire  respect  and  homage.  Prescriptive  rights 
are  vanishing  ;  the  partition  wall  is  thrown  down  ;  and  hence- 
forth we  must  appeal,  not  to  the  number  and  extent  of  our 
immunities,  but  to  the  utility  of  our  services,  and  the  excel- 
lency of  our  principles.  In  the  present  day,  every  thing  is 
undergoing  the  solemn  ordeal  of  public  opinion.  To  oppose 
its  decisions  is  unwise  in  policy,  impracticable  in  its  objectj. 
and  highly  injurious  to  the  Church,  the  interests  of  which  we 
profess  to  promote.  We  may  plead  zeal  in  her  cause,  but 
zeal  without  charity  is  intolerance  ;  and  prejudices,  which  are- 
blameable  in  all,  are  criminal  in  the  minister  of  Christ.  We 
may  think  that  we  thus  are  doing  God  service,  and  at  the 
same  time  be  fighting  against  him.  We  would  earnestly  call, 
then,  on  the  members  of  our  own  communion,  and  especially 
on  the  younger  clergy,  (while  in  the  vigor  of  their  strength, 
and  their  full  capacity  for  usefulness,)  to  imbibe  the  spirit  of 
the  age  in  which  they  live  ;  to  co-operate  in  these  truly- 
Christian  efforts,  and  to  recognise  the  finger  of  God  in  their 
design  and  progress.  Nor  can  we  refrain  from  expressing  the 
ardent  wish,  that  prejudices  may  be  removed,  dissensions 
cease,  and  that  all  Christian  people  would  offer  up  unceasing 
prayer  to  the  Almighty,  for  his  spirit  to  become  the  workman 
of  this  mighty  machinery  unto  his  own  glory,  and  the  moral 
regeneration  of  mankind.  "  Ye  that  make  mention  of  the 
Lord,  keep  not  silence,  and  give  him  no  rest,  till  he  establish, 
and  till  he  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth." — 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND, 


123 


CHAPTER  IX. 

His  anniversary  Sermon  for  the  Church  Missionary  Society— Meeting  at  Bedford,  in 
behalf  of  the  Jews— Bedfordshire  Bible  Society— Tours  for  the  Jewish  and  Church 
Missionary  J^ocieties— Kxtracts  from  his  Journals— Success  of  these  tours — Their 
influence  on  tie  general  inieresls  of  religion— On  his  own  personal  improvement— 
On  that  of  bis  parish  and  family. 

We  have  before  alluded  to  the  anniversary  sermon,  preached 
by  Mr.  Richmond  for  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  in  May, 
1809.  It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  one  so  capable  of  con- 
tributing to  the  stock  of  valuable  theological  discourses,  should 
have  composed  only  three  sermons  for  the  press  ;  two  of  them 
published  during  his  residence  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  the 
third,  which  we  now  propose  to  consider,  after  his  removal  to 
Turvey.  This  deficiency  is  one  of  the  consequences  of  ex- 
tempore preaching  ;  and  ministers  of  acknowledged  talents 
and  usefulness  would  do  well  to  remember,  that  they  owe  to 
the  Church  some  lasting  memorials  of  their  pastoral  labors 
and  of  their  zeal  for  the  general  interests  of  religion. 

Mr.  Richmond  received  many  urgent  representations  from 
the  writer,  on  this  subject ;  but  his  unceasing  engagements, 
his  extensive  correspondence,  and  the  more  immediate  claims 
of  duty,  were  always  pleaded  in  excuse.  An  examination  of 
his  missionary  sermon  will  enable  the  reader  to  form  some 
judgment  of  his  powers  of  composition,  and  will  also  afford  an 
illustration  of  his  sentiments  on  the  important  subject  of 
missions. 

His  text  is  taken  from  John  xxi,  16 — "He  saith  unto  him 
again,  the  second  time,  '  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  V 
He  saith  unto  him,  '  Yea,  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I  love 
thee.'  He  saith  unto  him, '  Feed  my  sheep.'"  CommentiQg 
on  these  words,  he  briefly  describes  the  peculiar  interest  and 
solemnity  of  the  occasion  ; — the  question  proposed  !  "  Lovest 
thou  me  ?"  The  answer  given  :  "  Yea,  Lord,  thou  knowest 
that  I  love  thee."  The  successive  repetition  of  the  question, 
and  Peter's  asseveration,  "Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things,  thou 
knowest  that  I  love  thee  ;"  and  the  final  command  of  the  Sa- 
viour, obedience  to  which  is  the  test  of  the  sincerity  of  the 
profession  :  "  Feed  my  sheep."  The  motive  of  love  to  Christ 
is  deduced  as  the  only  adequate  and  scriptural  stimulus  to 
missionary  exertion  ;  and  the  commandment  given,  to  feed  his 
flock,  declares  the  nature  and  object  of  the  duty  required. 
.The  application  of  the  whole  to  ourselves  is  inferred  from  the 
commission  given  to  Peter  and  the  apostles,  as  the  represen- 


i24 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tatives  of  the  Church  Universal  to  the  end  of  time  ;  and  from 
the  fact,  that  general  exhortations,  founded  upon  Christ's 
general  promises  to  his  church,  admit  of  no  limitation,  either 
of  time  or  place.    He  next  inquires — 

Who  are  the  sheep  of  Christ  ? 

Why  ought  they  to  be  fed  ? 

Whe7i? 

By  whom  ? 

With  what  food  must  they  be  fed,  nourished,  and  supported  ? 

We  pass  over  the  first  three  as  obvious  in  their  meaning. 

In  answering  the  inquiry, — "  who  shall  be  the  missiona- 
ries ?"  he  observes,  "  the  shepherds  w^hom  you  set  apart  to 
this  honorable  labor  of  feeding  and  nourishing  souls  for  Christ, 
must  be  men  who  love  Christ  for  the  salvation  which  he  hath 
wrought  in  their  own  souls  ;  men,  who  '  feel  in  themselves  the 
working  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  mortifying  the  works  of  the 
flesh,  and  their  earthly  members,  and  drawing  up  their  mind 
to  high  and  heavenly  things.'  "  {Art.  17.)  They  must  be  men, 
not  of  warmth  and  zeal  alone,  but  of  solidity,  patience,  and 
perseverance  ;  men  who,  like  their  Lord,  can  endure  the  con- 
tradiction of  sinners.  For  the  most  part,  it  is  not  so  often  men 
of  extensive  learning,  of  genius,  and  superior  literary  talents, 
who  are  wanted,  as  men  of  simplicity  and  sincerity  ;  men  of 
prayer  and  meditation  ;  men  who  so  love  Christ,  as  to  be  will- 
ing to  spend  and  be  spent,  for  his  sake  ;  men  of  subdued  pas- 
sions and  mortified  minds,  who  patiently  wait  for  the  coming 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

In  his  next  important  consideration, — "  wherewith  they  are 
to  be  fed,"  the  following  remarks  claim  the  attention  of  all  who 
are  engaged  in  the  cause  of  missions. 

/'Preach  Christ,  as  a  free,  full,  perfect,  and  all-sufficient 
Saviour  to  the  greatest  of  sinners.  The  sheep  of  Christ, 
whether  at  home  or  abroad,  will  hear  and  know  their  own 
good  Shepherd's  voice,  and  none  other.  Proclaim,  as  from  the 
house-top,  '  that  God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that 
while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us  ;'  and  thus 
accomplished  that  wonder  of  men  and  angels,  '  that  God 
might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  the  sinner  which  believeth 
in  Jesus.' 

"  Preach  to  them  the  blood  of  Christ ;  its  atoning  and 
cleansing  power.  Send  over  your  missionary  shepherds,  to 
feed  the  flock  of  Christ  among  the  heathen,  with  the  whole- 
some bread  and  the  pure  water  of  life.  We  must  not  trifle, 
in  this  matter.    It  is  the  cause  of  God  and  truth.  'Mingle 


REV.   LEGH  KICHMO^D. 


125 


therefore  nothing  with  their  food  ;  disguise  it  not  with  any 
self-accommodating  explanations.  It  is  not  the  equivocal 
language  of  a  mere  fashionable  profession  of  the  Gospel,  that 
will  convey  the  word  and  substance  of  salvation  to  the  soul  of 
either  a  nominal  Christian,  or  a  real  heathen. 

"  Let  the  hemisphere  of  light,  which  is  to  burst  upon  the 
dark  mountains  where  now  the  heathen  sheep  are  scattered, 
be  unsullied  and  without  a  cloud.  Be. ye  pastors  according  to 
God's  heart,  and  feed  them  with  knowledge  and  understand- 
ing. Christ  living,  Christ  obeying,  Christ  dying,  Christ 
risen,  Christ  ascended,  and  Christ  interceding  for  sinners  : 
this  is  the  true  bread  of  life.  Our  commission  to  feed  his 
sheep  runs  thus  :  '  Go  ye  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.'  Hence  the  love  of  the  Father,  in  giving  sinners  to 
Christ ;  the  love  of  the  Son,  in  dying  for  their  redemption  ;  and 
the  love  of  the  Spirit,  in  sanctifying  and  preparing  them  for 
glorv',  are  the  grand  themes  for  Christian  meditation.  AVhen 
these  invaluable  truths  are  enforced  in  a  practical  and  experi- 
mental manner,  the  sheep  of  Christ  are  truly  fed,  according  to 
their  good  Shepherd's  design  and  commandment ;  and  so  shall 
they  live  and  prosper." 

In  illustration  of  the  foregoing  remarks,  He  quotes  the  fol- 
lowing testimony  of  Johannes,  a  converted  heathen,  who  also 
became  a  blessed  witness  of  the  truth,  to  his  own  nation.  The 
circumstance  is  recorded  in  the  history  of  the  missions  of  the 
United  Brethren  among  the  Indian  nations  of  North  America. 

"  '  Brethren,  I  have  been  a  heathen,  and  have  grown  old 
amongst  them  :  therefore  I  know  very  well  how  it  is  with  the 
heathen,  and  how  they  think.  A  preacher  once  came  to  us, 
desiring  to  instruct  us  ;  and  began  by  proving  to  us,  that  there 
was  a  God.  On  which  we  said  to  him,  '  Well,  and  dost  thou 
think  we  are  ignorant  of  that  ?  Now  go  back  again  to  the 
place  from  whence  thou  earnest.' 

"  Then  again,  another  preacher  came,  and  began  to  instruct 
us,  saying,  '  you  must  not  steal,  nor  drink  too  much,  nor  lie, 
nor  lead  wicked  lives.'  We  answered  him  :  '  Fool  that  thou 
art,  dost  thou  think  that  we  do  not  know  that  1  Go  and  learn 
it  first  thyself,  and  teach  the  people  whom  thou  belongest  to, 
not  to  do  those  things.  For  who  are  greater  drunkards,  or 
thieves,  or  liars,  than  thine  own  people  V  Thus,  we  sent  him 
away  also. 

"  Sometime  after  this,  Christian  Henry,  one  of  the  Breth» 
ren,  came  to  me  into  my  hut,  and  sat  down  by  me.    The  con. 


126 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tents  of  his  discourse  to  me  were  nearly  these  :  'I  come  to 
thee  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth.  He  sends  me 
to  acquaint  thee,  that  he  would  gladly  save  thee,  and  make 
thee  happy,  and  deliver  thee  from  the  miserable  state  in  which 
thou  liest  at  present.  To  this  end  he  became  a  man,  gave  his 
life  a  ransom  for  man,  and  shed  his  blood  for  man.  All  that 
believe  in  the  name  of  this  Jesus,  obtain  the  forgiveness  of  sin. 
To  all  .them  that  receive  him  by  faith,  he  giveth  power  to 
become  the  sons  of  God.  The  Holy  Spirit  dwelleth  in  their 
hearts ;  and  they  are  made  free,  through  the  blood  of  Christ, 
from  the  slavery  and  dominion  of  sin.  And  though  thou  art 
the  chief  of  sinners,  yet  if  thou  prayest  to  the  Father  in  his 
name,  and  believest  in  him  as  a  sacrifice  for  thy  sins,  thou 
shalt  be  heard  and  saved,  and  he  will  give  thee  a  crown  of 
life,  and  thou  shalt  live  with  him  in  heaven  for  ever.' 

"  When  he  had  finished  his  discourse,  he  lay  down  upon  a 
board  in  my  hut,  fatigued  by  his  journey,  and  fell  into  a 
^  sound  sleep.  I  thought  within  myself,  '  What  manner  of  man 
is  this  ?  There  he  lies,  and  sleeps  so  sweetly  ; — I  might  kill 
him,  and  throw  him  into  the  forest,  and  who  would  regard  it  ? 
But  he  is  unconcerned, — this  cannot  be  a  bad  man ;  he  fears 
no  evil,  not  even  from  us,  who  are  so  savage  :  but  sleeps  com- 
fortably, and  places  his  life  in  our  hands.' 

"  However,  I  could  not  forg^  his  words  ;  they  constantly ' 
recurred  to  my  mind  ;  even  though  I  went  to  sleep,  yet  I 
dreamed  of  the  blood  which  Christ  had  shed  for  us.  I  thought, 
'  this  is  very  strange,  and  quite  different  from  what  I  have 
ever  heard.'  So  I  went  and  interpreted  Christian  Henry's 
words  to  the  other  Indians. 

"  Thus,  through  the  grace  of  God,  an  awakening  took  place 
among  us.  I  tell  you,  therefore,  brethren,"  said  he,  "  preach 
to  the  Heathen,  Christ,  and  his  blood,  his  sufferings,  and  his 
death,  if  you  would  have  your  words  to  gain  entrance  among 
them  ;  if  you  wish  to  confer  a  blessing  upon  them.'  "* 

But  the  passage  in  Mr.  Richmond's  sermon  which  produced 
the  strongest  impression  upon  his  hearers,  was  the  following  : 

"  I  stand  before  you  this  day  as  an  ambassador  for  Christ,  in 
the  cause  of  those  who  are  ready  to  perish.  In  his  and  their 
name,  I  beseech  you  to  hear  me,  while  I  propose  a  few  consi- 
derations  to  your  attention. 

*  See  Crantz's  JHlstory  of  the  Greenland  Mission,  a  most  interesting  publi- 
cation ;  in  wl)ieH  Mission  the  preaching  of  the  Cross  led  to  a  general  awaken- 
ing of  the  Greenlanders,  after  the  preliminary  truths  of  religion  had  been 
brotjght  before  them  nearly  eighteen  years  with  little  or  no  effect. 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3I0:>D. 


127 


"  Consider  the  state  of  the  world,  its  empires,  nations,  kin- 
dreds,  and  tribes.  When  a  map  of  the  world  is  presented  to 
the  eye,  with  what  a  variety  of  affections  is  it  viewed,  accord- 
ing to  the  character  and  pursuits  of  the  inspector  ! 

The  mere  statesman  dihgently  examines  the  magnitude, 
position,  and  boundaries  of  other  countries,  with  a  sole  refer- 
ence  to  the  political  aggrandizement  of  his  own.  Wars,  con- 
quests,  treaties,  alliances,  and  a  multitude  of  considerations 
connected  with  ambition,  pow-er,  and  national  honor,  dictate 
and  accompany  all  his  speculations  on  the  map.  And  then 
he  has  done  with  it,  and  lays  it  down. 

"  The  merchant  takes  up  the  map,  and  eagerly  traverses 
the  delineation  of  seas,  continents,  and  islands,  with  anxious 
inquiry  as  to  the  pecuniary  profit  and  loss,  trade  and  merchan- 
dise. His  thoughts  are  absorbed  in  considering  how  much 
may  be  gained  by  his  speculations  to  some  distant  island  or 
foreign  shore.  He  meditates  on  the  track  of  his  vessel  upon 
the  ocean,  marks  its  course  upon  the  hazardous  waves,  and  is 
full  of  agitation  with  respect  to  its  fate.  There  is  his  golden 
treasure,  and  his  heart  is  there  also.  As  he  views  the  map, 
he  conjectures,  hopes,  fears;  and,  \yith  much  solicitude, 
contemplates  his  future  gains,  or  dreads  impending  losses. 
The  map  is  again  laid  down,  and  he  has  done  with  it. 
•  "  The  curious  traveller  takes  up  the  map  of  the  world,  and 
is  occupied  with  the  remembrance  or  anticipation  of  the  vari- 
ous  customs,  manners,  dresses,  languages,  buildings,  and  cere- 
monies ;  with  a  long  list  of  wonders  and  amusements  that  have 
engaged  his  attention.  In  such  a  way  his  imagination  travels 
over  the  whole  globe  ;  and  then  this  man's  contemplations  on 
the  map  are  likewise  concluded. 

"  The  natural  philosopher  investigates  the  various  produc- 
tions of  this  diversified  globe  with  another  object.  Theories 
of  the  earth's  formation  ;  the  animal,  vegetable,  and  mineral 
kingdoms,  the  origin  of  volcanoes,  the  cause  of  earthquakes, 
the  variation  of  the  magnetic  needle,  all  afford  him  endless 
subjects  of  examination.  Every  continent,  sea,  climate,  and 
zone,  which  the  map  presents  to  his  eye,  furnishes  him  with 
matter  for  inquisitive  speculation  :  and  then,  he  has  done  with 
it  also. 

"  But,  when  the  Christian  beholds  the  world's  map,  he  has 
a  subject  of  investigation  far  beyond  them  all.  W^hat  they 
have  overlooked  and  disregarded,  is  every  thing  to  him.  His 
great  inquiry  is,  '  Show  me  the  visible  kingdom  of  Christ : 
name  the  countries  where  Christ  is  known  and  worshipped. 


128 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Oil !  when  shall  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  king- 
doms of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ  ?  When  shall  the  Heathen 
fear  the  name  of  the  Lord  ?' 

As  his  eye  traverses  the  globe,  he  sighs  over  the  awful 
contrast'  which  its  different  portions  exhibit.  His  own  soul 
loves  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  men.  But  how  small  a  part  of 
these  immense  tracts  of  country  which  the  map  presents  to  his 
view,  so  much  as  know  whether  there  be  any  Christ  !  What 
nations  immersed  in  Heathenish  idolatry  !  How  many  over- 
run  with  the  tyrannical  superstition  of  Mahomet !  Yea,  where 
even  the  name  of  Christ  is  professed,  how  many  are  sunk  into 
the  deep  mire  of  Popish  corruption,  or  virtual  infidelity  !  How 
small  a  portion  seems  as  yet  to  belong  to  Christ ! 

"  He  mourns  over  the  prospect,  but  does  not  lay  down  the 
map  and  think  no  more  of  it.  Again  and  again  he  takes  it 
up,  prays  for  the  sheep  of  Christ  in  distant  lands,  recommends 
their  case  to  God,  and  meditates  plans  for  their  deliverance. 
He  surveys  the  vast  continents  of  Asia  and  Africa,  and  for 
the  most  part  it  seems  to  be  darkness  visible.  Then  he  looks 
for  his  native  island  at  home,  endeared  to  him  by  a  thousand 
considerations,  but  most  endeared  on  account  of  the  Gospel 
light  with  which  she  is  blessed.  And  shall  not  the  rays  of 
that  light  soon  be  diffused,  as  from  a  centre,  to  all  the  sur- 
rounding world  ?  Doth  not  a  voice  from  above,  in  an  especial 
manner,  say  unto  Britons,  '  Go  ye  into  all  the  world 
Wherefore  ?  Only  for  political  aggrandizement, — for  mer- 
chandise,— for  travelling  recreation, — for  collecting  of  philo- 
sophical rarities  ?  Are  these  your  only  objects  ?  No  ;  saith 
the  Word,  '  Go  5-6  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel 
to  every  creature  !' 

"  From  such  a  meditation  on  the  map  the  Christian  re- 
tires, not  to  slumber  over  the  convictions  of  duty  ;  not  to  say 
much,  and  do  nothing.  He  freights  a  vessel  to  carr}^  the  pearl 
of  great  price  to  those  who  nehher  know  of  its  existence  nor  its 
value.  The  missionary  is  on  board  the  ship.  The  messen- 
ger of  God  is  crossing  the  seas  ;  not,  as  formerly,  to  make  the 
Ethiopians  afraid,  but  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  salva- 
tion to  the  Heathen,  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  poor,  to 
heal  the  broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  cap- 
tives, and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind.  Whilst  the 
Christian,  at  home,  who  has  been  the  instrument  of  sending 
him  forth  on  this  errand  of  love,  anxiously  waits  to  hear  the 
happy  news,  that  Dagon  is  fallen  upon  his  face  to  the  ground 
before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ;  that  Bel  boweth  down,  and  Nebo 


EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND, 


129 


stoopetb,  while  the  great  trumpet  is  blown;  and  that  they 
which  were  ready  to  perish  in  the  land  of  Assyria,  and  the 
outcasts  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  are  now  worshipping  the  Lord 
in  his  holy  mount. 

"  O  ye  statesmen,  merchants,  travellers,  and  philosophers, 
take  up  your  maps  once  more. 

"  Again  consider  the  state  of  the  church  ;  and  if  you  love  ' 
Christ,  feed  his  sheep." 

The  collection  on  this  occasion  amounted  to  331Z.  I*.,  be- 
ing the  largest  sum  ever  contributed  at  any  of  the  anniversa- 
ries of  the  Church  Missionary  Society. 

Mr.  Richmond's  exertions  in  behalf  of  the  religious  soci- 
eties  began,  from  this  period,  to  form  a  vety  prominent  fea- 
ture in  his  life.  His  journals,  some  of  which  we  mean  to  lay 
before  the  reader,  will  discover  an  extraordinary  degree  of 
zeal  and  labor,  such  as  few  men  would  attempt  to  equal,  and 
fewer  have  ever  exceeded.  His  correspondence  at  the  same 
time  will  show,  that  so  far  from  sacrificing  parochial  or  family 
duties  to  his  more  public  exertions,  he  was  most  strictly  con- 
scientious in  the  observance  of  them.  We  readily  admit  that 
incessant  occupation  in  the  service  of  the  public,  may  prove  a 
serious  interruption  to  the  due  discharge  of  private  obligations, 
and  that  personal  piety  may  be  endangered  by  the  excitement 
and  distraction  of  public  engagements.  Mr.  Richmond,  how- 
ever, formed  an  exception  to  the  too  prevailing  effect  of  popu- 
larity. So  far  from  being  injured  by  his  exertions  abroad,  they 
seemed  to  invigorate  and  fit  him  for  the  better  discharge  of 
his  duties  at  home  ;  and  his  return  from  those  missionary  tours 
was  ever  accompanied  with  some  signal  revivals  in  his  church 
and  family. 

In  the  year  1810,  an  Auxiliary  Society  was  formed  for  the 
county  of  Bedford,  to  co-operate  with  the  London  Society  for 
promoting  Christianity  among  .the  Jews.  Extempore  ad- 
dresses were  at  that  time  so  unusual,  that  few  persons  v/ere 
either  wilHng  or  able  to  trust  themselves  beyond  a  very  brief 
and  limited  expression  of  their  sentiments  ;  and  the  writer  well 
remembers  his  own  nervous  agitation  even  when,  having  de- 
clined to  take  a  more  prominent  part  in  the  business  of  the 
day,  the  less  difficult  office  of  moving  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the 
chairman  was  assigned  to  him.  The  feelings  of  many  others 
he  believes  were  much  of  the  same  description.  On  Mr. 
Richmond,  therefore,  by  unanimous  'consent,  devolved  the 
task  of  explaining  the  object  of  the  meeting  ;  in  doing  which, 
he  entered  so  fully,  and  with  so  much  ability,  into  the  past 
12  ' 


130 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


and  present  history  of  the  Jews,— the  obligations  of  the  Chris- 
tian world  to  that  remarkable  people  for  the  fidelity  with  which 
they  had  transmitted  the  sacred  text, — their  chiims  on  our 
gratitude  and  humanity, — the  manner  in  which  those  claims 
had  been  requited,  and  the  guilt  of  past  neglect, — the  lost  and 
degraded  state  of  the  Jews,  contrasted  with  the  splendorof  their 
future  hopes, — that  one  would  have  supposed  he  had  made  this 
cause  the  exclusive  subject  of  his  studies,  so  ample  was  the 
knowledge  he  displayed,  and  the  fluency  with  which  he  com- 
municated it.  , 

A  similar  meeting  was  afterward  held  at  Kettering,  in 
Northamptonshire,  which  Mr.  Richmond  addressed  with  equal 
ability.  He  preached  also,  in  behalf  of  the  Society,  at  All 
Saints'  Church,  Northampton,  to  a  very  large  congregation. 

The  circumstance  that  next  claims  our  attention,  is  the 
formation  of  the  Bedfordshire  Bible  Society,  in  the  autumn 
of  1811.  The  recollections  connected  with  this  event  will 
not  easily  be  obliterated.  The  presence  of  Christians  of  all 
denominations,  assembled  for  the  first  tune  in  that  district, 
within  the  memory  of  man,  to  promote,  by  their  united  ener- 
gies, an  object  equally  dear  to  all, — the  dignity  and  cordiality 
with  which  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Bedford,  the  president, 
declared  his  approbation  of  the  catholic  spirit  and  enlarged 
benevolence  of  the  undertaking, — the  interesting  and  impres- 
sive communications  of  the  three  Secretaries  of  the  Parent 
Society,  the  Rev.  John  Owen,  the  Rev.  J.  Hughes,  and  the 
Rev.  Dr.  SteinkopfF, — the  animated  and  powerful  speech  of 
the  late  Samuel  Whitbread,  Esq.,  the  Christian  character 
of  the  respective  addresses,  and  the  spirit  of  harmony  and 
peace  which  pervaded  the  meeting,  awakened  in  every  bosom 
the  purest  and  most  exalted  emotions.  It  was  like  the  meet- 
ing of  Esau  and  Jacob,  who,  after  years  of  mutual  alienation 
and  distrust,  forgot  all  past  animosities,  and  fell  on  each 
other's  neck,  with  mutual  tears  and  embraces. 

The  public  v«ieeting  at  Bedford  was  attended  with  impor- 
tant results  :  the  Huntingdonshire  and  Northamptonshire  Bi- 
ble Societies  owed  their  origin  to  the  interest  excited  on  that 
occasion.  In  the  establishment  of  the  above  society,  and  in 
organizing  county  branches,  at  Luton,  Leighton,  Dunstable, 
Woburn,  Ampthill,  Biggleswade,  &;c.,  Mr.  Richmond  took 
an  active  part ;  and  was,  subsequently,  in  the  habit  of  at- 
tending their  anniversaries,  and  not  unfrequently  those  also 
that  were  held  in  the  adjoining  county  of  Northampton. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^fD. 


131 


We  now  proceed  to  notice  other  labors  of  Mr.  Richmond 
in  the  Jewish  and  missionary  cause,  in  different  parts  of  the 
kingdom  :  his  own  journals  will  best  illustrate  their  charac- 
ter, as  well  as  their  beneficial  effects.  We  select  the  follow- 
ing  :— 

Extracts  from  a  Journal  of  a  Tour  in  1814. 

"  August  8.    Left  Turvey  at  five  in  the  moriung.  Dined 

at  C  n  with  dear  J  s.    The  savory  sweetness  and 

friendly  cordiality  of  his  conversation  was,  as  it  ever  must  be, 
delightful  and  edifying.  Arrived  at  Leicester,  at  eight  in 
the  evening,  and  slept  at  my  friend  Mitchel's.*  There  I  used 
to  converse  with  dear  father  Robinson.  How  solemn  and 
interesting  does  death  render  past  recollections  !  Leicester 
cannot  but  mourn  the  loss  of  such  a  man.  He  was  father, 
friend,  paytor,  counsellor,  and  preacher,  in  an  eminent  do- 
gree.    Peace  and  veneration  be  to  his  memory  ! 

"  — 9.  Met  Mrs.  B.,  who  informed  me  of  the  most  dis- 
tressing death  of  Mr.  J.,  of  London,  I  felt  deeply  affected. 
Lord,  what  is  man  !  who  can  tell  to  what  depths  even  God's 
children  may  be  brought  ?  I  was  glad  to  learn  that  he  was 
granted  time  and  space  for  repentance,  and  recovery  of  mind. 
May  we  all  hear  and  fear.  The  Lord  be  merciful  to  his  in- 
teresting family.  In  the  evening  I  preachfed  for  the  Jews, 
at  St.  Mary's  church.  A  noble  congregation.  My  text  was 
Matt.  X,  8.  I  found  much  freedom  in  speaking,  and  thought 
God  seemed  to  be  in  the  midst  of  us.  Very  many  clergy- 
men and  dissenting  ministers  were  present.  The  collection 
was  41Z.  13.i\  The  Lord  keep  m.e  humble,  simple-minded, 
and  single-eyed. 

"  —  10.  Proceeded  to  Derby  and  Matlock  ;  delighted 
with  the  High  Tor  :  resolved  on  its  being  my  text,  in  illus- 
tration of  Deut.  xxxii,  4.  Congregation,  and  evening,  quiet, 
calm,  and  interesting.  The  beauty  of  this  place  increases, 
to  my  apprehension,  every  time  I  revisit  it.  Blessed  be  the 
Bock  of  salvation  !  I  returned  to  M.  B.  by  late  twilight. 
The  scene  exquisitely  fine.  God  made  all  these  beauties  ! 
May  I  see  Him  in  them  ! 

"  —  11.  Went  to  Bonsai.  It  is  one  of  the  most  inter- 
esting, romantic  spots  I  ever  saw  ; — it  far  exceeds  descrip- 

*  The  vicar  of  St.  Mary's,  Leicesler,  and  the  successor  to  Mr.  Robinson. 
ThesudJei)  decease  of  this  nuich  respected  character  is  a  subject  of  sincere  re- 
gret to  ail  his  friends. 


132  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

tion.  The  church  and  church-yard  are  remarka-bly  interest- 
ing. In  the  evening  preached  for  the  Jews,  from  Prov.  iii, 
27.  Collection, — 15/.  12^.  I  had  not  so  much  freedom  as 
sometimes,  but  felt  calm  and  hopeful.  The  character  of  this 
picturesque  sequestered  village,  on  the  opposite  side  of  Mas- 
son  (Hill)  from  Matlock,  is  beautiful,  wild,  rich, 'and  engaging 
in  the  extreme. 

"  Aug,  12.  Early  in  the  morning,  I  went  into  the  beau- 
tiful and  romantically-situated  church-yard,  apd  meditated 
near  an  hour.  Here  is  a  remarkably  fine  yew-tree.  In  the 
evening  I  received  an  invitation  to  preach  for  the  Jews  on 
Sunday  morning,  at  /ilfreton.  I  returned  to  Bonsai,  and, 
at  niy  friend  Maddock's  desire,  addressed  a  large  number  of 
young  people  in  the  church,  who  are  under  instruction  for  .an 
approaching  confirmation  by  the  bishop.  It  was  a  pleasing 
sight,  and,  I  hope,  a  profitable  time.  How  gracious  is  God 
to  body,  soul,  and  spirit ! 

"  —  14.  (Sunday.)  We  set  off  for  Alfreton.  I  preach- 
ed for  the  Jews,  from  John  iv,  22.  Collection — 15Z.  13*. 
Returned  to  Bonsai  ;  preached  from  Psalm  viii,  2.  A  church 
completely  filled  ;  many  visiters  from  Matlock.  It  was  a 
delightful  opportunity  ;  the  Lord  seemed  to  be  present,  amidst 
a  worshipping  and  listening  people.  Such  a  congregation,  in 
so  romantic  and  beautiful  a  situation,  is  a  rare  and  interesting 
sight.  Returned  to  the  hotel  to  supper  ;  had  some  very 
profitable  conversation  with  Mrs.  B.,  who  has  been  an  au- 
thoress. How  desirable  to  endeavor  to  introduce  something 
for  God  at  these  public  places. 

—  16.  Manchester.  Preached  at  St.  Stephen's,  Sal- 
ford,  for  the  National  schools,  from  Psalm  xlviii,  12 — 14. 

"  —  18.  Rose  early,  and  thought  over  a  plan  of  ser- 
mon for  night.  After  breakfast,  went  to  meet  the  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  Committee  for  the  Jews.  Gave  an  address,  and 
found  the  opportunity  peculiarly  interesting.  It  was  then 
fixed  that  the  annual  public  meeting  for  the  Jewish  society 
should  be  held  on  Wednesday,  August  31,  and  that  I  should 
preach  at  St.  Clement's  on  the  preceding  evening.  Went 
to  Oldham,  where  I  preached  for  the  Jews,  from  Rom.  xi, 
12.  Collection — 21L  I65.  id.  Preached  with  unusual  free- 
dom, particularly  as  it  concerned  the  word  '  reconciling.'  The 
presence  of  God  was  not,  I  trust,  wanting  among  us. 

"  —  21.  {Sunday.)  Preached  for  the  Jews  at  the  parish 
church  of  Halifax.  It  is  a  remarkably  fine  old  building.  Col- 
lection — 19/.  The  day  extremely  wet.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  at  Trinity  church,  in  the  same  town ;  a  very  large  con 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


133 


gregation.  Collection — 34/.  My  morning  text  was,  Psalm  cii, 
12,  13.  Afternoon,  Psalm  cxxii,  6.  I  deeply  lelt  my  sub- 
ject.  Immediately  after  the  second  sermon,  Mr.  C.  and  I 
set  off  for  Huddersfield.  The  road  very  fine  and  interesting, 
— the  evening  wet.  We  arrived  at  the  Rev.  Mr.  C.'s,  and 
were  invited  to  sleep  at  Mrs.  W.'s  near  Huddersfield.  The 
contrregation  at  the  church  was  immense.  The  Methodist 
chapel  was  shut  up.  The  sight  of  such  an  assembly  fiHedme 
with  desire  and  af}ection.  I  preached  from  Rom.  xi,  15, 
with  great  comfort.  The  occasion  was  in  every  way  inter- 
esting. Collection — 71/.  One  person  had  put  into  the  plate 
two  guineas,  wrapped  in  a  ten  pound  note  !  As  soon  as  the 
service  was  over,  the  organ  and  choir  suddenly  began  the 
grand  Hallelujah  Chorus,  and  executed  it  well.  The  effect 
was  sublime,  and  affected  me  much. 

Aug.  22.  At  eleven,  held  a  public  meeting,  for  the  for- 
mation of  a  Huddersfield  society  for  the  Jews.  It  was  nu- 
merously attended,  and  went  off  very  well.  I  v,?as  requested 
to  preach  a  lecture  at  the  church  to-morrow  evening.  Had 
an  interesting  conversation  v/ith  an  old  man  in  the  factory, 
about  the  sermon  of  last  night. 

" — 23.  Preached  the  promised  lecture  at  Huddersfield 
church,  from  Eph.  iii,  17 — 19  i  a  very  fine  congregation, 
although  an  exceedingly  wet  night.  Felt  earnest  in  my  sub- 
ject, and  went  through  it  w'ith  much  solemn  feeling.  The 
character  of  this  whole  family  where  I  now  am  is  highly  in- 
teresting. Such  new  friendships  are,  indeed,  among  the  mer- 
cies of  God  to  travelling  pilgrims. 

"  — 24.  Set  oft'  for-  Halifax.  Preached  to  a  very  large 
congregation  at  the  old  parish  church,  from  Heb.  xiii,  8,  « 

"  — 25.    Went  to  Bradford.    Met  a  very  friendly  and 
agreeable  party  of  friends. to  the  Jews,  at  Mrl  F.'s.    It  was 
resolved  to  hold  a  meeting  of  the  association  at  Bradford,  on 
I   Saturday  morning.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  Rothwell,  for 
I  the  Jews,  to  good  congregation. 

I  "  — 27.  Set  off  for  Bradford.  Attended  the  public 
j  meeting  :  a  very  large  assembly.  Mr.  S.  made  an  excellent 
and  argumentative  speech.  The  venerable  vicar  was  pre- 
sent.  All  went  oft'  well.  We  dined  with  Mr.  F.  ;  the  party 
numerous,  spiritual,  and  edifying.  The  conversation  very 
interesting.  Returned  to  Leeds,  and  by  the  way  examined 
the  fine  ruin  of  Kirkstall  Abbey.  It  is  highly  grand  and 
beautiful. 
12* 


334 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


*'  Aug.  28.  {Sunday.)  Awoke  with  anxiety  respecting  the 
sermons  of  the  day,  having  three  to  preach  at  difterent 
churches,  in  the  same  town  (Leeds.)  Went  in  the  morning 
to  St.  Paul's,  the  church  of  the  late  Rev.  Miles  Atkinson.  I 
preached  for  the  Jews,  from  Rom.  xi,  30,  31.  Found  my- 
self strengthened.  Collection — 49/.  Dined  with  Mr.  H. 
In  the  afternoon,  preached  at  St.  John's,  for  the  Jews,  from 
Psalm  cii,  12,  13.  Preached  with  more  satisfaction  than 
in  the  morning,  and  felt  much  for  the  souls  of  those  present. 
Collection — 22/.  Drank  tea  at  Mr.  H.'s,  and  in  the  eve- 
ning preached  at  St.  John's,  from  Matt,  x,  8:  a  very  fine 
congregation  indeed.  I  preached  with  great  freedom  to  my 
own  feelings,  hoth  as  to  argument  and  appeal.  My  heart 
was  much  engaged  in  considering  the  great  work  of  the  mi- 
nisterial calling.  Singing  very  grand  and  impressive.  Col- 
lection— 31Z.  In  all,  above  100/.  during  the  day.  I  have 
reason  to  be  very  thankful  to  God,  for  the  help  and  strength 
with  which  I  was  Enabled  to  pursue  my  course  this  day. 

" — 29.  Went  to  the  public  meeting  at  the  Music-hall, 
for  forming  a  Ladies'  Society.  Many  excellent  speeches  were 
inade,  which  rendered  the  meeting  peculiarly  interesting. 
After  dinner,  went  to  Birstall,  and  preached  for  the  Jews, 
from  Rom.  x,  1.  The  church  is  singularly  venerable  in 
architecture,  and  picturesque  in  character.  It  was  full  in  the 
extreme.    Collection — 111. 

*' — 30.  Arrived  at  Manchester  just  in  time  to  preach  at 
St.  Clement's  church,  from  Gen.  xvii,  5,  on  the  united  influ- 
ence of  Jewish  and  Heathen  missions  on  each  other.  After- 
v/ard,  prepared  papers  for  a  meeting  next  morning.  I  felt 
my  lidind  much  affected  while  enlarging  on  the  above  view  of 
',he  question. 

" — 31.  Held  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Auxiliary 
Society.  Numerous  attendance.  Preached  in  the  evening  at 
Stanley-bridge  chapel,  from  John  iv,  22.  Collection — 18Z. 
6*.  Was  struck  with  seeing  a  monument  to  the  Rev.  John 
Kenworthy,  aged  thirty-four.  He  was  a  college  friend,  and 
I  did  not  know  what  was  become  of  him.  In  the  midst  of  life 
we  are  in  death  \ 

"■Sept.  1.  Found  many  letters  ;  one  from  my  dear  wife, 
which  I  answered.  Children  all  well  at  home.  O,  how 
merciful  is  God  !  I  have  laboured  much  this  last  fortnight,  but 
am  in  no  respect  the  worse,  and  in  many  the  better  for  it. 
And  so  may  he  ever  give  his  beloved  rest,  not  /row,  but  in 
labor.    The  harvest  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  are  few. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


135 


The  importance  of  such  a  work  as  I  am  engaged  in  appears 
daily  more  and  more  in  its  effects  on  individuals,  places,  and 
districts.  May  the  Master,  whom  1  serve,  give  me  strength 
according  to  my  day,  and  use  me  for  his  own  glory,  and  tiie 
good  of  the  church  of  Christ,  where,  when,  and  how  he 
pleaseth  !  •  . 

''Sept.  2.  Stayed  in  the  house  all  day.  Endeavored  to 
collect  some  matter  for  my  missionary  sermons.  Had  an 
hour's  conversation  with  the  pious  and  exemplary  Mrs.  C,  of 
Stockport.  Spent  a  comfortable  day  with  my  mother  and 
aunt.  Sat  up  before  I  went  to  bed  and  meditated  on  the 
blessings  which  God  had  mercifully  bestowed  on  me,  in  giv- 
ing  me  so  valuable  a  wife,  and  so  many  dear  children.  I  then 
prayed  tor  them,  and  retired  to  rest. 

"—-3.  Made  two  skeletons  for  Church  Missionary  sermons 
to  be  preached  at  Buxton  to-morrow.  Proceeded  thither. 
Scenery  lovely,  Buxton  completely  full.  My  sermon  here  is 
an  arduous  task.  God  give  me  strength  to  go  through  it  to 
his  glory:  fearless  of  man,  and  anxious  for  their  spiritual 
welfare.  I  find  that  ladies  are  to  collect  at  the  church"  to- 
morrow. 

" — 4.  {Sunday.)  Rose  early,  to  prepare  for  my  day's 
work.  Went  to  the  new  and  beautiful  chapel.  A  large  con- 
gregation  of  genteel  people.  I  preached  from  Luke  xix,  42, 
for  the  Jews.  Collection — 44/.  4^.  I  enjoyed  sufficient  free- 
dom from  fear,  so  as  to  be  rendered  comfortable.  Ladies 
collected  from  pew  to  pew,  supported  by  gentlemen.  Went 
immediately  afterward  to  Bakewell,  where  I  preached  for 
the  Church  Missionary  Society,  from  Rom.  iii,  29.  Collec 
tion — 17/.  12*.  2d.  From  thence  I  went  to  Yeolgrave,  where 
I  preached  for  the  same  cause,  from  Matt,  ix,  37,  38.  Col- 
lection— 11/.  14«.  5</. 

" — 5.  Rose  early,  and  was  struck  with  the  singularly 
beautiful  elfect  of  the  morning  fog  or  dew,  rolling,  or  rather 
reposing  in  flakes  and  masses  on  the  valley  seen  from  my  win- 
dow. The  hills  around  me  were  clear,  the  sun  shining,  the 
objects  in  some  part  of  the  valley  beginning  to  appear.  At 
length,  all  became  clear  and  uninterrupted.  The  whole  was 
highly  interesting.  Went  through  the  beautiful  valley.  Saw 
a  comment  on  my  text  of  last  night ;  a  large  tract  of  harvest 
land,  and  one  solitary  person  reaping  it  !  Noticed  a  sublime 
and  interesting  mass  of  rocks  ;  their  shape,  form,  and  charac- 
ter,  worthy  of  the  minutest  attention.  Wild,  unfrequented, 
and  romantic,  in  the  highest  degree.    Within  them  is  a  her. 


136 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


mil's  cave,  on  the  wall  of  which  some  pious  artist  has  sculp- 
tured a  crucifix.  Meditation  has  here  scope  for  boundless  ac- 
tion,— scenic,  spiritual,  sublime,. and  beautiful.* 

Sept.  6.  Received  a  letter  from  my  dear  wife.  All  well, 
God  be  praised.  Preached  at  Chapel  en  le  Frith,  from  Rom. 
i,  16,  for  Church  Missionary  Society.  Collection — 15Z.  16^. 
\d.  Slept  at  the  inn.  Mercies  still  follow  me.  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul  !  and  all  that  is  within  me  bless  HLs  holy 
name  ! 

" — 7.  Preached  a  lecture  at  Yeolgrave.  Experienced 
a  mark  of  very  kind  attention  from  one  of  the  Duke  of  Rut- 
land's liousehold.  Went  to  Matlock,  to  preach  there.  Met 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kemp,  and  Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Saunders.  Re- 
turned, after  service,  with  Lady  Elizabeth  Percival  and 
Mrs.  Childers  ;  and  had  much  Christian  conversation,  as  we 
passed  through  the  rocks  on  the  romantic  road,  by  moonlight. 

" — 9.  Attended  a  meeting  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  for 
the  Church  Missionary  Society.  Messrs.  Kemp,  Saunders, 
Gel!,  Maddoc,  and  myself,  spoke.  The  collection,  including 
two  donations  of  ten  guineas  each,  from  Lady  E.  Percival, 
and  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Childers,  after  my  sermon  last  night, 
amounted  to  40/.  9s.  Qd.  This  first  incursion  into  the  very 
heart  of  a  watering-place  is  an  excellent  beginning,  ifnd  pro- 
mises  well.  We  met  at  the  dining-room,  just  underneath  the 
romantic  rocks  ;  shrubs,  trees,  rivers,  &c.,  opposite.  I  was 
reminded  of  Salvator  Rosa's  picture  of  John  the  Baptist 
preaching  in  the  wilderness. 

" —  10.  Breakfasted  at  Bonsai ;  then  read,  wrote,  and  me- 
ditated for  to-morrow.  The  Lord  of  grace  and  glory  help 
me  in  my  work,  and  bless  it  to  me  a  poor  sinner,  while  I 
preach  for  and  to  other  poor  sinners  ! 

—  11.  (Sunday.)  Preached  in  the  fine  old  church 
(with  its  most  singular  and  crooked  spire,)  for  the  Church 
Missionary  Society,  from  Mark  xvi,  15 — Collection,  34/.  Set 
off  for  Sheffield.  Proceeded  to  the  parish  church  ;  congrega- 
tion computed  at  3,500.  Many  hundreds  unable  to  get  in.  I 
preached  jointly  (by  express  desire)  for  the  Jews  and  the 
heathen,  from  Rom.  iii,  29.  Collection — 71/.  135.  The 
Hallelujah  Chorus  was  grand  and  aflTecting  in  the  highest  de- 
gree.  Much  to  be  thankful  for  in  each  of  the  three  sermons 
this  day.  The  collection  was  said  to  be  the  largest  ever 
made  in  this  church,  on  any  occasion.  It  is  not  easy  to  de- 
scribe or  conceive  the  effect  of  such  a  congregation  as  this  at 
Sheffield. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOIsD. 


137 


"  Sept.  12.  Most  hospitably  received  at  Mrs.  Walker's. 
Went  to  see  Mr.  Walker's  great  iron-works,  near  Rother- 
ham.  Saw  a  cannon  cast,  and  went  through  the  whole  ma- 
nufactory. It-  is  most  ingenious  and  interesting.  Saw  the 
rolling-mill,  and  manufacture  of  tin  plates.  Observed  on  our 
return  in  the  evening,  the  effect  of  the  many  surrounding  blaz- 
ing  furnaces.  The  effect  in  so  finiif  a  night  is  grand  and 
beautiful  :  some  of  the  fires  on  the  tops  of  high  hills,  some  on 
the  sides,  others  in  the  valleys  ;~some  near,  others  distant. 

^' —  14.  Framed  the  plan  of  a  sermon.  Expounded  at 
family  worship,  from  Malachi  iii.  ;  and  explained  the  Refi- 
ner's process,  from  what  we  had  seen  the  day  before.  Preach- 
ed  at  Rotherham  church,  for  the  Church  Missionary  Society. 
Text — Matt,  xxviii,  19,  20.  A  fine  congregation.  Collec- 
tion— 33/.  ll*.  lOcZ.  Dear  Maddock  read  prayers.  Nu- 
merous  proofs  hourly  occur  of  the  usefulness  of  my  missiona- 
ry  labours,  wherever  we  travel.  Surely,  goodness  and  mercy 
follow  us  !  Glory  be  to  God  ! 

"—16. .  Set  out  for  Doncaster.  Went  to  Selby.  Preach- 
ed for  the  Church  Missionary  Society.  Collection — 13Z.  14^. 
lOd.  The  congregation  good  and  attentive.  My  excellent 
friend  Maddock  accompanied  me.  Before  I  retired  to  rest, 
felt  peculiarly  earnest  in  prayer  for  my  beloved  wife  and  chil- 
dren. O  !  for  the  Lord  to  crown  them  with  his  mercies,  tem- 
poral, spiritual,  and  eternal  ! 

" — 17.  Passed,  this  day,  through  the  village  of  Wilber- 
force,  on  my  way  to  Knaresborough.  It  pleased  me  to  think 
of  my  boy. 

*' — 18.  (Sunday.)  Preached  at  Knaresborough  church,  for 
the  Church  Missionary  Society,  from  Psa.  xcvi,  9,  10. 
Collection — 30Z.  Went  immediately  to  Harewood.  The 
church  most  beautiful  within.  Earl  Harewood,  Lord  and 
Lady  Lascelles,  Sir  C.  Stewart,  &;c.  present.  I  preached 
from  Matt,  ix,  36- -38.  Collection— 29/.  Rev.  Mr.  H,, 
Rector,  and  nephev/  to  Earl  Harewood,  an  estimable  charac- 
ter. Earl  H.  invited  me  to  dinner.  Collection — 23/.  17^. 
Returned  to  Knaresborough,  and  preached  from  Eph.  iii,  17 
— -19,  for  the  Church  Missionary  Society.  Collection — 21/. 
Enjoyed  much  peace  all  day.  The  house  where  I  am  is  the 
seat  of  enlightened  piety,  of  kindness,  hospitality,  and  Chris- 
tian comfort. 

"  — 19.  Received  a  singularly  interesting  letter  from  the 
Russian  princess,  Sophia  Metsckersfti,  at  St.  Petersburgh.* 


*  rhis  letter  will  be  eliortly  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  readtr> 


138 


MEMOIRS  OP  THE 


Explored  the  romantic  and  beautiful  scenery  about  Knares- 
borough.  Went  on  to  Studley  Park.  Saw  the  ruins  of  Foun- 
tains' Abbey  ; — it  far  exceeds  every  thing  I  have  seen  or 
shall  see  ; — imagination  itself  is  filled,  and  more  than  filled. 
I  went  through  the  long  walk  with  that  vigor,  which  I  only 
find  myself  able  to  exert  when  I  travel,  and  have  my  mind 
strongly  bent  on  interea|ing  and  rational  enjoyment. 

"  Sept,  25.  (Sunday.)  Preached  in  the  morning  at  St, 
Paul's,  Leeds,  from  .Gen.  xxii,  18.  Collection — 40Z.  Ss. 
Dined  with  Mr.  H.  ;  then  preached  at  St  John's,  from  Eph. 
ii,  12,  13.  Collection — 20/.  I8s.  Preached  in  the  evening, 
at  St.  James's,  from  Isa.  ix,  7.  In  the  morning,  felt  calm 
and  comfortable.  In  the  evening,  found  most  enjoyment  in 
my  work.  The  congregation  overflowing, — the  singing  uni- 
versal,— the  effect  delightful.  Missionaries  were  present. 
How  mercifully  the  Lord  carries  me  through  ! — What  shall  I 
render  unto  Him  for  all  his  benefits. 

"  — 26.  Attended  the  public  Anniversary  Meeting. 
Thirteen  clergymen  spoke.  The  whole  went  oft'  excellently. 
Drank  tea  with  a  large  religious  party  at  Mr.  D.'s.  All  pro- 
fitable and  affectionate.  The  Princess  Sophia's  letter  delights 
every  one  that  hears  it. 

" — 27.  Preached  at  Huddersfield,  from  Ps.  xcvi,  10. 
Church  crowded  in  the  extreme.  I  was  able  to  speak  with 
much  readiness.    Collection — 80/. 

" — 29.  Held  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Hudders- 
field Association.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  Almondbury, 
from  Matt,  ix,  37,  38.  Collection — 21/.  Is.  A  noble  con- 
gregation. What  strong  testimonials  do  I  daily  receive  of 
the  extensive  usefulness  of  my  journey  !  Surely  God  is  grood 
indeed,  in  thus  comforting  my  spirits,  amidst  many  thoughts 
of  anxiety ! 

"  Oct,  1.  Prepared  to  leave  Woodhouse, — a  roof  under 
which  I  have  met  with  so  much  to  improve  and  delight,  that 
I  know  not  how  to  express  my  gratitude  to  God  and  its  own- 
ers  as  I  ought.  The  five  daughters  gave  me  5/.  as  an  annual 
subscription  for  a  rescued  negro  child,  to  be  called  after  Mad- 
dock  and  myself.  We  were  requested  to  plant  two  trees,  as 
memorials  of  our  visit  and  friendship.  M.  planted  an  oak, 
and  I  a  Portugal  laurel.  The  whole  interesting  family  heaped 
every  mark  of  regard  and  respect  upon  us.  I  desire  to  enter 
my  record  of  thankfulness  and  affectionate  pleasure,  which  this 
visit  and  intercourse  havfe  excited  in  my  heart :  in  such  things, 
the  Lord  is  good  indeed.  Proceeded  to  Bradford.  Heard 
fresh  testimonies  there  to  the  great  use  of  religious  tours. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


139 


Oct.  2.  {Sujiday.)  Preached,  in  th^*morning,  at  Brad- 
ford church,  from  Rom.  x.  13,  14.  A  fine  congregation. 
Preached,  in  the  afternoon,  at  the  same  church,  from  Matt, 
ix,  36.  A  still  larger  congregation.  Preached,  in  the  even- 
ing, from  Hev.  xi,  15.  Overflowing  congregation  ;  I  never 
saw  any  thing  like  it, — not  less  than  four  thousand,  cer- 
tainly.   Three  collections  115Z.#Sucha  day, — —such  a 

church, — such  a  vicar, — such  life, — such  attention, — such  lib- 
erality, and  such  general  success  are  rarely  seen.  I  desire 
to  praise  God  from  my  heart,  for  the  interesting,  animating, 
encouraging  scene,  it  altogether  presented.  I  received  the 
sacrament  from  the  hands  of  the  venerable,  apostolical,  blind 
vicar.    Supped  and  slept  at  Mr.  Fawcett's. 

" —  5.  Met  my  mother  at  Chesterfield.  We  travelled 
together  to  Mansfield.  Proceeded  to  the  church.  A  very  fine 
congregation.  I  preached  from  Rom.  x,  15.  Collection — 
50/.  I  have  had  great  heaviness  of  spirit  since  Monday  night, 
but  I  think  the  Lord  has  blessed  me  in  it.  He  is  good  and 
merciful ! 

" —  6.  Travelled  to  Bonsai,  where  Maddock  found  his 
wife  and  children  well.  O  !  may  God  grant  that  I  do  the 
same  !  He  has  been  with  me  as  a  Protector  all  the  way,  and 
I  will  trust  him  still  !  May  every  tear  be  wiped  from  my  loved 
Mary's  eyes,  and  may  we  again  meet,  with  Christian  and  con- 
nubial aflection.  Amen. 

" —  7.  Proceeded  to  Nottingham,  where  we  made  ar- 
rangements for  a  new  association  in  connexion  with  the  Church 
^lissionary  Society. 

" —  8.  I  parted  with  m}-  friend  Maddock,  at  six  o'clock. 
God  be  with  him.  He  has  been  an  amiable,  cheerful,  and 
most  interesting  companion  and  coadjutor  ;  I  love  and  esteem 
him  from  my  heart.*  Rejoiced  greatly  in  the  hope  of  meet- 
ing my  dear  wife  at  Creaton.  I  can  truly  say  that  that  place 
where  she  is,  is  a  dear  home  to  my  heart  ;  and  home  itself 
ceases  to  be  home,  if  she  is  not  there.  Lord,  I  bless  thee, 
for  having  preserved  me  safe  through  a  journey  which  already 
exceeds  1,160  miles  ;  and  may  it  be  crowned  by  meeting  her 
at  last,  io  love  and.  union  of  soul  ! — Arrived  safe  at  Creaton, 
and  found  my  dear  wife  and  daughter  well.  This  is  a  crown, 
ing  mercy,  and  shall  be  accounted  as  such. 

" — .  9.    Preached,  in  the  morning,  at  Spratton,  from 

•This  excellent  man  is  since  departed  to  a  belter  world,  beloved  and  es- 
teemed by  all  wl)o  knew  him. 


140 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Psalm  xcvi,  10  :  iff  the  afternopn,  at  Creaton,  from  Rom.  x, 
13 — 15  ;  for  the  Church  Missionary  Society.  Collection — 
15Z.  Is.  Sd.    Passed  the  evening  pleasantly  and  profitably. 

Oct.  11.  We  left  Mr.  Jones's.  Dined  at  Northampton, 
and  arrived  safe  at  Turvey,  at  half-past  seven  o'clock  ; — 
finding  the  dear  children  we^.  What  shall  I  render  to  the 
Lord,  for  all  his  benefitB  unto  me  ? 

Thus  ends  a  journey  marked  by  manifold  mercies,  plea- 
sures, useful  labors,  and  gratifying  events.  Many  valuable 
friendships  formed  ; — religious  and  personal  influence  extend- 
ed ; — the  cause  both  of  Jews  and  heathen  furthered  ; — 
knowledge  gained,  love  increased,  and  Christian  esteem  -es- 
tablished and  cemented. — Gloria  Deo  in  excelsis 

August,  1815.  Commenced  a  journey  for  the  Jews'  and 
Church  Missionary  Societies. 

"  —  24.  In  passing  through  Bakewell,  went  to  see  Mr. 
Watson's  geological  museum.  His  arguments  and  illustra- 
tions by  specimens,  in  favor  of  the  volcanic  origin  of  the  Der- 
byshire hills,  strata,  &;c.  are  very  extraordinary. 

"  — 27.  Preached  at  Bolton,  to  between  three  and  four 
thousand  people,  lor  the  Sunday  schools.  Collection — 169Z. 
\2s.  5d.  A  magnificent  appearance.  The  singing  was  grand 
and  impressive  in  the  highest  degree.  Anthems,  Handel's 
choruses,  &;c.  were  sung,  and  accompanied  by  trumpets, 
horns,  &c.  in  a  very  fine  style  indeed.  My  mind  was  much 
affected,  and  I  found  considerable  enlargement,  though  not 
without  much  inward  temptation  and  struggle  to  the  contrary. 

" — Set  off  from  Bolton,  northwards.  At  Preston  saw 
the  Rev.  Mr.  T.  and  Mr.  H.  Was  much  pressed  on  the  sub- 
ject  of  their  Bible  meeting.  Dined  at  Garstang,  where  my 
grandfather  was  vicar,  from  about  sixty-five  to  eighty-five 
years  ago.  Proceeded  to  Lancaster  :  saw  some  noble  views  in 
the  way.  Here  I  caught  the  first  view  of  the  mountains.  Ar- 
rived at  the  Rev.  Mr.  H.'s  :  a  delightful  family  :  the  grace  of 
God  indeed  appears  here.  We  made  arrangements  for  my 
preaching  at  Lancaster,  on  Sept.  10th. 

"  —  30.  Went  to  see  Lancaster  church  and  castle.  The 
lattfir  is  grand  in  a  very  high  degree.  .'I]he  modern  Gothic 
court-houses  exceed  any  thing  I  have  ever  seen.  The  view 
from  thence  superb  :  sea,  estuaries,  castles,  mountains,  &;c., 
form  a  beautiful  display  of  scenery.  Examined  the  interior 
of  the  castle,  visited  the  criminals,  &;c.  Had  much  affecting 
information  from  Mr.  H.  relative  to  some  criminals,  executed 


BEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND, 


141 


at  various  periods.  "What  a  picture  of  man  does  a  gaoi  afford  ! 
— how  it  reminds  me  of  the  saying  of  John  Bradford,  the  re- 
former, on  seeing  a  criminal  taken  to  the  place  of  execution — 
'  But  for  thq  grace  of  God,  there  goes  John  Bradford.' 

"  Kendal.,  Sept.  3.  Preached  for  the  Jews,  in  the  morning, 
/rem  Mark  xvi,  15  ;  in  the  evening,  from  Psalm  li,  18.  Met 
many  excellent  friends,  at  Mrs.  R.'s.  The  whole  day  most 
agreeably  and  Christianly  spent. 

"  — 5.  An  excellent  Jews'  anniversary  meeting  at  Ken- 
dal. Every  thing  went  off  well.  A  large  dinner-party  at  Mrs. 
R.'s,  consisting  of  Mrs.  P.,  and  about  twenty  other  friends. 
The  whole  day  profitably  spent. 

— 6.  Mrs.  R.  and  Mr.  R.  W.  set  out  with  me  for 
Bowness.  Saw  Winan  Jermere  Lake  with  astonishment  and 
delight.  Proceeded  to  Ambleside,  where  I  had  a  very  pleas- 
ing conversation  with  the  Bishop  of  Llandatf.  Proceeded 
through  the  enchanting  road  by  Rydal  Water,  Grassmere, 
Leathes  Water,  Helvellyn,  d:c.  to  Keswick,  whose  beauties 
baffle  all  description.  Our  conversation  was  Christian  and 
edifying, — all  having  the  greatest  enjoyment  in  the  scenery 
and  its  accompaniments. 

" — 7.  Rose  early,  and  walked  to  examine  the  beauti- 
ful mountain  of  Skiddaw.  After  breakfast,  went  around 
Keswick  Lake.  Saw  the  Barrow  Cascades,  Lowdore  W^ater- 
fall,  Borrowdale  Falls,  Bowder  stone,  &c.  All  beyond  my 
description,  or  previous  conception.  After  dinner,  sailed  on 
the  lake,  with  some  other  friends.  All  was  serene, — lovely, 
— delightful !  The  Lowdore  cannon  was  fired  :  the  echo  of 
the  many  mountains  produced  a  peal  of  perfect  thunder.  We 
sang  hymns  on  the  Lake  by  sun-set  and  moon-Hght :  the 
eflfect  may  be  better  conceived  than  written. 

*'  — 8.  Set  off  at  six,  for  Ulles>vater  ;  beauty  and  wonder 
in  profusion.  Saw  the  great  mountain  of  Saddleback,  and  a 
Druidical  circle  of  stone.  Crossed  the  lake  of  Winander- 
mere,  by  the  west.  Exquisite. moonlight  !  Arrived  at  Kendal 
at  night.  Of  these  three  days, — my  companions, — my  en- 
joyments, I  would  write,  but  I  cannot;  they  have  left  an  in- 
delible trace  ;  and  I  bless  God  for  the  mercy. 

"  — 10.  (Sunday.)    Went  to  Tunstal,  and  preached  for 
the  Jews.  Collection — 20Z.  55.  Sd.  Proceeded  to  Lancaster 
and  preached  again  for  the  J#\x^    Collection — 39/.  8^.  A 
fine  congregation.  Much  help  from  above  throughout  the  day. 
"  Sept.  11.  Dined  with  dear  Mrs.  P.,  at  S.  Lodge.  A  most 
13 


142  MEMOIRS   OF  THE 

profitable  and  spiritual  party.  It  was  suddenly  proposed 
after  dinner,  that  I  should  preach  a  lecture  that  night  at  Lan- 
caster.  At  two  hours' notice,- about  1000  people  were  col- 
lected.    I  preached  from  Heb.  xiii,  8. 

"  —  12.  Went  to  breakfast  at  l.eighton  fiall  ;  passed 
an  affectionate  day  wiih  my  nnother  and  sister.  Mv  mothe% 
near  eighty,  walked  a  mile  and  a  halt, — God  preserve  her  ! 
Had  nnuch  religious  conversation.  . 

»_13.  Went  to  C.  Hall,  the  seat  of  the  excellent  C. 
W.,  Esq.  Vieu'ed  the  exquisitely  romantic  beauties  of  Kir- 
by-Lonsdale  church,  church-yard,  and  bridge.  In  the  eve- 
ning, expounded  the  23d  Psalm  to  a  large  comj)aQy  of  friends 
and  neighbors. 

—  14.  Left  this  interesting  and  most  edifying  family. 
Proceeded  to  Knareshorough.  Arrived  at  the  friendly  house 
of  Mr.  C.  ;  and  preached,  the  following  day,  for  the  Jews, 
from  Luke  xxiv,  47.  Collection — 36Z.  I8s.  2d. 

"  Leeds  (Sunday.) — 17.  Preached  at  St.  Paul's  in  the 
morning,  for  the  Heathen..  Collection — 46/.  In  the  after- 
noon, at  St  John's.  Collec  ion — 20/.  In  the  evening,  at 
St.  James's.  Collection — 29/.  Texts,  Psa.  xcvi ;  Rom.  x; 
Psalm  Ixxxix.    Had  much  suf)port  throughout  tlie  day. 

" — 18.  A  delightful  annivetsury  meeting  o''  the  Church 
Missionary  Society.  Mr.  Corrie,  from  India,  gave  some 
most  interesting  details  respe(  ting  that  couniry,  Abdool 
Messee,  &c.  Many  excellent  speeches  ;  great  savor  and 
spirituality  throughout  the  whole.  Dined  at  Mr.  Hey's,  with 
Mr.  Corrie,  &;c. 

" — 24.  {Sunday.)  Vve<\c\\ed  at  St.  Stephens's,  Salford,  for 
the  Sunday  schools,  from  John  iii,  14,  1.5.  Very  good  con- 
gregation. In  the  afternoon,  preached  again  for  the  schools, 
from  Psalm  Ixxii,  4.  Collection — 70/.  Preached  in  the  ev^e- 
ning  at  St.  Clement's,  from  Gen.  xii,  1,  2,  3.  Congregation 
overflowing.  I  find  by  a  letter,  that  Mr.C,  of  Bradford,  h;is 
through  me,  anonymously,  given  85/.  135.  to  the  church  mis- 
sion. 

"  — 2rf.  Attended  the  Jewish  anniversary.  It  was  render- 
ed most  interesting  by  the  particulars  communicated  about 
a  converted  Jew,  Emanuel  Lemond,  who  died  at  Manches- 
ter. I  went  afterward  to  the  house  where  he  died,  and 
spent  two  hours  'u\  deep  affection,  listening  to  the  simple  nar- 
ratives of  facts,  from  various  persons,  concerning  this  singular 
convert.  Brought  away  some  memorials  of  him.  A  very 
good  day  indeed. 


REV.   LEGH  EICHMOTSD. 


143 


^*  Hudders/ield,  Oct.  1.  Preached  for  the  Church  Mission- 
ary Society,  from  Acts  xxvii.  23.  Collection — 547.  Church 
much  crowded.  Preached  in  the  afternoon,  at  Slathwaite 
chapel,  from  Mark  xvi,  15.  Above  two  thousand  persons 
present.  In  the  evening  preached  at  Longwood  chapel,  from 
Pasim  Ixxxix,  15,  16.  An  immense  multitude.  Upwards  of 
80Z.  collected  at  these  three  services.  Had  a  day  of  great 
labor  and  apparent  usefulness.  Was  carried  through  very 
mercifully,  in  all  the  three  sermons.  I  hear  of  good  effects 
from  my  sermons  of  last  year  in  this  vicinity,  particularly 
that  at  Huddersfield,  from  Eph.  iii.  on  the  love  of  Christ." 

As  the  remaining  parts  of  this  tour  refer  to  places  already 
mentioned  in  the  preceding  accounts,  we  forbear  to  insert 
them,  though  they  afford  ample  testimony  to  the  usefulness 
of  his  labors. 

The  perusal  of  this  journal  will  probably  awaken  different 
reflections,  in  proportion  as  the  mind  is  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  missionary  undertakings.  It  requires  some 
portion  of  moral  elevation  justly  to  estimate  the  spirit  and  aim 
of  a  man,  who,  to  use  the  words  of  the  venerable  Leighton, 
counted  "the  whole  world,  in  comparison  with  the  cross  of 
Christ,  one  grand  impertinence."  To  those  who  see  not  the 
exalted  design  of  the  Christian  dispensation;  its  adaptation 
to  the  wants  of  all  mankind,  and  the  consequent  duty  of  dis- 
seminating its  blessed  and  holy  truths ;  the  zeal  of  Mr. 
Richmond  will  appear  to  have  been  overcharged.  But  he  who 
faithfully  lays  bel'ore  his  thoughts,  the  awful  and  abominable 
idolatries  of  his  fellow. creatures,  and  connects  these  evils^with 
the  solemn  and  affecting  declaration  of  the  Bible, — "  the 
wages  of  sin  is  death," — even  "  the  bitter  pains  of  eternal 
death  ;" — will  in  his  own  deliverance  from  them,  "count  all 
things  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  his  Lord;"  and  will  burn  with  a  zeal  even  to  his  con- 
suming, till  "  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God." 

It  is  evident  that  these  fragments  were  not  intended  for  the 
public  eye.  They  are  the  simple  details  of  daily  occurrences ; 
designed,  perhaps,  to  interest  his  family,  and  to  keep  alive  in 
his  own  remembrance  a  sense  of  the  divine  goodness.  Yet, 
on  this  account,  they  may  be  regarded  as  the  more  faithful 
transcripts  of  the  scenes  through  which  he  passed,  and  of  his 
views  respecting  them.  It  is  imposible  to  read  without  pre- 
judice, the  facts  recorded,  and  not  discern  in  them  the  man 
of  God  ; — his  time  spent  in  laborious  and  incessant  occupa- 


144 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tion  ;-^a  piety  fervent,  but  rational ;  with  less  admixture  ofha- 
man  infirmity,  than  may  be  found  in  the  diaries  of  many  other 
good  men  ; — a  holy  elevation  of  spirit  in  the  pursuit  and  pos- 
session of  his  object,  combined  with  deep  humility; — a  habit 
of  devotion,  and  increasing  personal  piety,  in  the  midst  of 
almost  universal  respect  and  popularity  ; — a  sense  of  danger, 
and  constant  prayer  to  be  preserved  from  it ;  and  what  perhaps 
is  more  than  all,  in  the  midst  of  labors  unceasing,  various, 
and  exciting,  abroad,~a.  constant  eye  to  the  claims  at  home. 

The  editor  has  no  inclination  to  amplify  the  preceding 
remarks  on  the  missionary  tours  of  his  friend,  except  from 
a  desire  of  rendering  them  useful  to  those  excellent  men,  who 
are  following  the  course  in  which  he  took  the  lead.  Mr. 
Richmond  needed  more  repose  than  he  allowed  himself,  and 
shortened  his  valuable  life  by  over  exertion.  There  is  much 
error  in  the  trite  maxim  often  quoted,  it  is  better  to  wear 
out  than  rust  out :"  for  surely,  it  is  a  point  of  practical  wisdom, 
to  preserve  a  medium  between  indolence  and  over-effort  :  and 
the  editor  cannot  but  consider  that  exertion  beyond  the  limits 
assigned  to  human  power  is  little  better  than  a  moral  suicide, 
[f  good  men  were  to  satisfy  themselves  of  the  sinfulness  of 
over-strained  activity,  they  would  submit  to  the  rein  for  con- 
science'  sake.  It  appears,  that  besides  the  fatigue  of  hasten- 
ing from  one  place  to  another  to  futil  his  engagements,  Mr. 
Richmond  generally  preached  three  sermons  on  the  sabbath, 
and  often  five  or  six  more  in  the  course  of  the  week.  His 
latigue  was  also  increased  by  the  crowded  congregations  that 
assembled  to  hear  him.  The  hours  which  should  have  been 
given  to  a  cessation  from  labour,  were  unceasingly  occupied, 
in  conducting  family  worship,  and  conversing  at  every  meal 
with  persons  who  were  invited  to  meet  him.  On  these  occa- 
sions he  took,  as  was  expected,  a  prominent  part  in  the  con- 
versation ;  which,  however  useful  to  others,  must  have  insen- 
sibly exhausted  his  strength.  The  writer,  who  accompanied 
him  in  some  of  these  tours,  often  expressed  a  fear  that  he 
would  soon  become  a  wreck  in  mind  and  body,  as  the  inevita- 
ble result  of  such  continued  exertions.  His  reply  was  gene- 
rally  the  same,  '  I  am  not  fatigued ;  I  do  not  feel  it :'  but  it  was 
impossible  not  to  entertain  the  apprehension,  that  imbecility, 
or  a  premature  old  age,  must  ultimately  succeed  such  unceas- 
ing and  exhausting  eflfbrts.  The  political  and  religious  world 
have  had  some  beacons  held  out  to  them,  from  which  they 
might  gather  an  instructive  warning,  and  learn  to  acknow- 
ledge  the  wisdom  of  a  remark  made  by  an  estimable  charac- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


145 


tec,  "  I  labor  less  that  I  may  labor  the  longer  ;"  he  might 
Lave  added,  "  with  greater  benefit  to  the  church  of  God,  in 
the  season  of  matured  experience  and  ripened  judgment.'* 
In  the  midst  of  these  multiplied  engagements,  the  writer  could 
not  refrain  from  asking  his  friend,  "  whence  do  you  obtain 
supplies  for  these  extraordinary  demands  ?"  Hours  of  retire- 
ment and  meditation  are  necessary  to  every  Christian  ;  still 
more  necessary  to  the  .minister  of  religion  ;  and  most  of  all  to 
those  who  are  exposed  to  the  temptations  and  distractions  of 
public  life.  The  largest  reservoir  will  fail,  unless  it  receives 
continual  supplies.  iMr.  Richmond,  in  these  circumstances, 
felt  his  need  of  redoubled  watchfulness  and  prayer  ;  he  not 
only  rose  early  in  the  morning  to  seek  communion  with  the 
Father  of  spirits,  and  retired,  as  early  as  circumstances 
allowed,  from  the  converse  of  man,  that  he  might  renew  his 
strength  in  waiting  upon  God  ;  but  it  was  the  constant  habit 
of  his  mind  throughout  the  day,  by  secret  ejaculations  to  draw 
down  help  from  above. 

Besides  this,  he  had  by  previous  research  collected  his 
materials,  and  by  close  study  had  so  mastered  his  subject, 
that  he  required  less  time  for  preparation  than  most  men. 
He  wojuld  often  arrange  his  ideas  for  a  sermon,  as  he  was 
travelling  to  the  place  vvhere  it  was  to  be  delivered  ;  and 
the  abundance  of  his  resources,  together  with  a  remarkable 
facility  of  utterance,  contributed  to  .lessen  his  labor.  What 
most  excited  surprise,  was  the  diversified  manner  in  which 
he  would  treat  the  same  subject.  An  esteemed  friend  of 
the  writer's  once  assured  him,  that  he  went  to  hear  Mr. 
Richmond  preach  three  sermons  on  one  Sunday.  He  said, 
he  expected  there  would  be,  of  course,  a  similarity  in  the 
discourses  ;  and  yet  they  proved  to  be  as  varied  as  if  they 
had  been  delivered  by  three  different  preachers. 

He  has  been  known  to  have  collected  in  these  excursions 
from  800/.  to  lOOOZ.  ;  and  he  once  tolfl  the  editor,  that  the 
fruits  of  one  of  these  journeys  were  not  less  than  1200Z.  But 
though  money  forms  the  sinews  of  charity  no  less  than  of 
war,  and  is  indis[)ensable  to  the  operations  of  every  society  ; 
it  was  the  establishment  of  missionary  vieics  and, principles, 
the  correction  of  errors,  the  removal  of  prejudices,  and  the 
enforcement  of  the  claims  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  on  the  prayers 
and  benevolence  of  the  Christian  public,  which  formed  one  of 
the  most  prominent  features  of  usefulness  in  these  tours.  We 
may  add  another,  of  which  he  never  lost  sight,  namely,  tfie 
close  connexion  of  the  missionary  cause  with  the  advancement 
13* 


146 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE^ 


of  personal  piety.  While  he  spoke  of  the  souls  of  the 
Heathen  or  Jews,  he  faithfully  reminded  his  hearers  of  their 
own ;  admonished  them  of  their  obligation  to  improve  their 
Christian  privileges  ;  and  of  the  possibility  of  many,  at  the 
last  day,  being  admitted  "  from  the  east,  and  from  the  west, 
and  from  the  north,  and  from  the  south,"  while  the  children 
of  the  kingdom  might  be  cast  out ! — that  nominal  Christianity 
was,  after  all,  little  better  than  Heathen  ignorance  ;  while  it 
involved  greater  guilt,  and  a  more  tremendous  responsibi- 
lity : — that  personal  religion  was  one  of  the  best  securities  for 
missionary  zeal  and  exertion  ;  and  that  no  one  was  likely 
ever  to  be  successfully  engaged  in  communicating  the  Gos- 
pel to  others,  who  had  not  first  felt  its  power  and  experienced 
its  peace  in  his  own  heart. 

The  writer  of  this  Memoir  can  state,  from  repeated  observ- 
ation, that  the  improved  tone  of  moral  feeling,  and  of  attach- 
ment to  the  distinguishing  truths  of  the  Gospel,  which  is  now 
so  perceptible  throughout  the  kingdom,  may,  to  a  considera- 
ble extent,  be  traced  to  the  influence  of  these,  and  similar  mis^ 
sionary  excursions.  He  has  often  heard  his  lamented  friend 
observe,  in  the  earlier  days  of  these  institutions, — "the  pub- 
lic mind  is  gradually  undergoing  a  great  moral  revolution^ 
Christians  are  acquiring  more  enlarged  views  of  the  nature 
of  their  religion,  and  the  obligation  to  impart  it.  In  com- 
municating it  to  others,  they  are  increasingly  impressed  with 
its  importance  to  themselves.  Ten  or  twelve  leading  men 
are  doing  all  the  work  and  bearing  the  burden  and  heat  of 
the  day.  It  will  be  comparatively  easy  for  those  who  come 
after  us  ;  but  the  prejudice,  the  opposition,  and  the  conflict 
of  opinion,  it  is  ours  to  encounter  ;  and  these  difficulties  are 
good  for  us  ;  for  they  convince  us  of  our  own  weakness,  and 
show  the  excellency  of  the  cause,  and  the  power  and  strength 
of  God  in  its  success^  and  progress."  We  copy  an  extract 
from  a  letter  to  his  aunt,  in  w  hich  the  same  sentiments  are 
expressed.  •  "  Incalculable  is  the  national  good  which  is 
daily  springing  up  from  such  exertions.  It  now  appears  ca- 
pable of  demonstration,  that  the  moral  wilderness  will  even- 
tually blossom  as  the  rose,  through  the  blessing  of  God  on 
Bible  and  Missionary  institutions.  The  opposition  of  error 
and  prejudice  seems  to  languish  and  decay  ;  while  the  tri- 
umphant career  of  sacred  benevolence  conveys  life,  light, 
peace,  and  love  ;  and  bears  unequivocal  evidence  to  the  uni- 
verse, that  *  God  is  with  us  of  a  truth.'  " 


REV.   LEGH  KICmiOI^D. 


147 


We  have  already  stated,  that  Mr.  Richmond's  popularity- 
did  not  appear  to  exercise  an  injurious  etfect  on  his  mind.  It 
must  be  acknowledged  that  ministers  of  great  popular  talents 
are  exposed  to  much  danger  ;  particularly  from  the  indiscreet 
admiration  of  some  of  their  followers,  who  forget  that  minis- 
ters, like  other  men,  share  in  the  common  corruptions  of 
fallen  nature.  But  it  may  be  observed,  that  the  singular 
simplicity  and  unfeigned  humility  of  Mr.  Richmond,  was  a 
great  preservative  from  the  ensnaring  tendency  of  human  ap- 
plause. The  writer  can  declare,  from  long  observation  of  his 
friend,  that  no  man  more  uniformly  abstained  from  the  lan- 
guage of  praise  towards  others,  or  discouraged  it  more  unre- 
servedly towards  himself. 

Those  too,  who  suppose  that  engagements  of  a  public  na- 
ture are  an  unbroken  career  of  success  and  popularity,  are 
much  mistaken.  The  advocates  of  a  public  cause  have  much 
to  try  their  faith  and  patience.  There  are  fightings  without 
and  fears  within  ;  subjects  of  deep  humiliation  in  their  own 
experience  ;  and  a  necessity  for  much  meekness,  to  bear  with 
the  unreasonable  opposition  of  enemies,  and  the  prejudices 
and  mistakes  of  friends.  Their  divine  Master  leaves  them 
not  without  a  holy  discipline,  to  keep  them  low  at  his  feet, 
and  humble  in  their  own  eyes. 

Mr.  Richmond  had  the  habit  of  connecting  every  thing  with 
God.  Every  event,  pleasurable  or  painful  ;  every  object  in 
nature,  or  work  of  human  ingenuity,  suggested  a  subject  for 
devout  contemplation,  and  filled  his  soul  with  holy  affections. 
He  seemed  to  possess,  in  religion,  the  secret  once  attributed 
to  recondite  philosophy  ; — all  he  touched  became  gold,  which 
he  converted  to  his  own  use,  and  to  the  benefit  of  others.  This 
holy  transmutation  made  every  place  a  Bethel,  and  every 
object  a  cause  of  some  pious  emotion  ;  and  thus  circumstances 
ensnaring  in  their  natural  tendency,  were  made  to  him  the 
medium  of  nearer  access  to  God. 

In  illustration  of  this  remark  we  quote  the  following,  '  Re- 
flections suggested  during  a  Tour  in  Westmoreland  and  Lan- 
cashire,  with  two  valued  friends;'  and  a  Poetical  effusion, 
written  after  visiting  the  grave  of  Hervey,  in  Northamp- 
tonshire. 

"  There  is  a  peculiar  sweetness  in  the  recollection  of  those 
hours  which  we  have  spent  with  friends  of  a  kindred  spirit, 
amidst  the  beauties  of  created  nature.  The  Christian  can 
alone  find  that  congeniality  in  associates,  who  not  only  pos- 
sess a  lively  and  cultivated  sense  of  the  high  beauty  which 


148 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


landscape  scenery  presents  to  the  eye;  but  who  -can  also  see 
creation's  God  in  every  feature  of  the  j)rospect.  The  painter 
can  imitate,  the  poet  describe,  and  the  lourist  talk  vviih  ec- 
Stacy  of  the  sublinne  and  beautiful  objects  which  constitute 
the  scene  before  him.  But  he  only  can  be  said  to  enjov  them 
aright,  whose  talents,  taste,  and  affections,  are  consecrated  to 
the  glory  of  Him  by  whom  'all  things  were  made,  and  with- 
out whom  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.'  When 
the  pencil  that  traces  the  rich  and  animated  landscape  of 
mountains,  lakes,  and  trees,  is  guided  by  iv  grateiul  heart  as 
■well  as  by  a  skilful  hand;  then  the  picture  becomes  no  less 
an  acceptable  offering  to  God,  than  it  is  a  source  of  well- 
directed  pleasure  to  the  mind  of.  man.  And  when  the  poet, 
in  harmonious  numbers,  makes  hill  and  dale  responsive  to  his 
song,  happy  is  it  if  his  lieart  be  in  unison  with  the  harp  of 
David,  and  if  he  can  call  on  all  created  nature,  to  join  in  one 
universal  chorus  of  gratitude  and  praise.  The  Christian  tra- 
veller best  enjoys  scenes  like  these.  In  every  wonder,  he 
sees  the  hand  that  made  it; — in  every  landscape,  the  bounty 
that  adorns  it; — in  rivers,  fields,  and  forests,  the  Providence 
that  ministers  to  the  wants  of  man; — in  every  surrounding  ob- 
ject, he  sees  an  emblem  of  his  own  spiritual  condition  ; — him- 
self a  stranger  and  a  pilgrim,  journeying  on  through  a  coun- 
try  of  wonders  and  beauties;  alternately  investigating,  admir- 
ing, and  praising  the  work  of  his  Maker,  and  anticipaiing  a 
holy  and  happy  eternity,  to  be  spent  in  the  Paradise  of  God, 
where  the  prospects  are  ever  new,  and  the  landscapes  never 
fade  from  the  sight  !" 

01\  VISITING  THE  GRAVE  OF  HERVEY. 

'*0!  f  )r  the  expanded  mind  llial  soars  on  liigh, 
Ranj^iiig  r.far  willi  meditation's  eye! 
'J'liat  climbs  the  lieighis  of  yonder  starry  road; 
Rising  tlirougii  nature,  up  lu  nature's  God! 

"O!  for  a  heart  that  seeks  tlie  sacred  ploom 
Wiiich  liovcrs  round  the  precinct?  of  the;  tomt)! 
Wiiiie  f:incy,  muring  tliere,  sees  visions  bright; 
In  death  discovering  life, — in  darkness  liglit! 

"O  !'  for  a  soul  to  trace  a  Sa\nour's  power, 
*•        In  each  sweet  foim  thai  decks  ilie  blooming  flower! 
And  as  I  wander  sucli  fair  scenes  among, 
I'll  make  the  Rose  of  Sharon  ail  my  ^ong. 

"  What  thougii  tlie  chilling  blasts  of  winter's  day 
Foibid  t!ie  garden  longer  lo  be  gay  ? 
Of  winter  yet  I'll  not  refuse  to  sing, 
Thus  to  be  followed  by  eternal  spring! 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


149 


"Hei  vey  !  be  tlioii  my  sruide  to  point  the  road 
'J'liat  leads  far  lieiice,  to  yonder  blest  abode  I 
Grant  irie  his  faitli,  ihon  good,  tliou  {ireai  Most  High! 
Letrae  like  Hervey  live, — like  Herveydie!'* 

We  next  insert  an  extract  from  a  letter,  addressed  to  his 
aunt,  in' the  year  1817,  in  allusion  to  a  report  that  his  public 
services  were  recompensed  by  a  salary. 

"  This  subject  reminds  me  of  an  observation  which  you 
made  when  I  lately  saw  you,  and  to  which  I  for  a  moment 
beg  to  draw  your  attention.  You  said  that  some  person  had 
told  either  you  or  Mrs.  M.  that  I  received  some  pecuniary 
compensation  for  my  services  in  behalf  of  the  religious  insti- 
tutions for  which  I  am  in  the  habit  of  pleading.  I  must 
request  that  justice  may  be  done  to  me,  and  to  the  cause 
which  I  espouse.  The  report  is  false,  in  every  possible  point 
of  view.  I  never  did,  nor  ever  would,  accept  of  a  single 
farthing,  from  a  single  individual.  The  whole  has  ever  been 
completely  gratuitous,  and  disinterested.  Matiy  valuable  cler- 
gymen are  pursuing  the  same  path  of  usefulness  in  their 
occasional  excursions  from  home  :  but  they  act  as  volunteers, 
and  not  as  hirelings;  we  seek  no  reward  in  this  world,  but  that 
of  seeing  good  done,  and  mankind  benefited.  Let  this  inju- 
rious report  be  repelled  ;  let  not  prejudice  and  mistake  operate 
to  the  disadvantage  of  truth  and  charity.  I  can  say,  for  one, 
that  if  ever  the  least  departure  were  to  take  place  from  the 
disinterested  plan  of  serving  the  societies  gratuitously,*  I  would 
instantly  abandon  the  ranks  of  their  public  defenders  and 
advocates.  My  services  arise  from  conscientious  principle, 
\nd  are  neither  directly  nor  obliquely  connected  with  pecuni- 
iry  advantage;  but  quite  the  reverse,  if  all  were  known. 
Some  people  seem  to  doubt  the  possibility  of  disinterested 
ictivity.  Alas !  they  know  not  the  motives  which  Chris, 
ianity  inspires.  Christ  said  for  himself,  and  for  all  true 
I^hristians,  '  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.'  May  we  all 
ully  know  what  that  important  text  means," 

But  the  question  which  will  no  doubt  principally  suggest 
self  to  the  reader,  is  the  following  : — 
How  was  his  place  supplied  in  his  parish  during  these  ex- 

ursions  ? 

"  An  exception  is,  of  course,  here  implied  in  behalf,  of  the  regular  official 
jents  of  the  public  socLetiea. 


I 


150 


MEMOIRS  OF  ThE 


It  was  his  fixed  determination,  never  to  enter  upon  a  public 

engagement,  till  a  provision  had  been  made  for  the  services 
of  his^  parish  ;  and  he  seldom  left  home  .without  procuring  a 
resident  minister.  Subsequently,  when  the  claims  of  the  dif- 
ferent public  societies,  and  the  calls  of  his  distant  friends, 
required  him  to  give  up  a  certain  portion  of  his  time,  he 
appointed  a  regular  curate,  who  united  with  that  office  the 
care  and  tuition  of  his  children  ;  that  neither  his  family  nor 
his  people  might  suffer  any  diminution  of  their  accustomed 
privileges  by  his  absence.  The  following  letter,  addressed 
to  a  clergyman  who  was  his  temporary  representative  during 
one  of  these  journeys,  will  prove  that  he  was  not  satisfied  with 
merely  procuring  a  substitute,  but  that  it  was  his  earnest  wish 
to  secure  the  conscientious  and  efficient  performance  of  the 
duty  : — 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"I  hope  this  will  meet  you  in  good  health.  In  committing 
my  flock  to  your  care  for  a  season,  I  earnestly  pray  God 
that  you  and  they  may  prosper,  and  profit  together.  I  will 
add  a  few  words  explanatory  of  my  usual  proceedings.  I 
have,  on  Sunday  mcrning  and  afternoon,  lull  services.  My 
evening  service  is  for  the  Sunday  school,  and  I  always  ad- 
dress them  in  the  most  free  and  simple  manner.  If  ever  you 
speak  without  full  notes,  this  would  be  your  occasion  ;  if  not, 
let  the  children  be  the  especial  object  of  your  evening  minis- 
try, in  that  way  wherein  God  shall  direct  your  heart  and  lips. 

"  You  will  naturally  wish  to  know  my  usual  matter  and 
manner  of  preaching.  In  matter,  I  keep  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  continually  present,  and  experimentally  applied  to  the 
consciences,  afieciions,  and  understandings  of  the  hearers  :  my. 
people  are  constantly  used  to  the  exhibition  of  the  saving  offi- 
ces of  Christ,  as  prophet,  priest,  and  king, — all  and  in  all : — 
strengthening,  comforting,  guiding,  and  making  the  believing 
sinner  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light.  1 
preach  the  duties  of  Christians,  not  as  detached  and  separa- 
ble appendages  to  doctrines,  but  as  intimately  connected,  and 
infallibly  mixed  with  them,  and  flowing  from  them  :  still  keep- 
ing the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  view,  as  convincing,  direct- 
ing, and  revealing  Jesus  as  the  principle  of  both  justification 
by  faith  alone,  and  of  sanctification  through  the  Holy  Spirit. 
These  rich,  never-failing,  fruitful,  and  consolatory  truths,  I 
feel  to  be  the  great  subject  and  object  of  the  Christian  min- 
istry; and  as  such,  I  have  ever  preached  them  fully,  freely. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^'D. 


151 


and  experimentally.  Give  them,  my  dear  . sir,  these  plain 
scriptural  truths  in  godly  simplicity,  and  they  will  love  and 
bless  you.  In  point  of  length,  I  would  recommend  from  35 
to  45  minutes  as  tJie  extreme  limits. 

"  As  to  manner  ;  my  first  ohject  is,  to  exhibit  aflection, 
earnestness,  and  a  real  desire  that  every  sentiment  and  every 
sentence  may  profit  the  hearts  of  my  hearers. 

"  I  rely  on  your  brotherly  and  friendly  feelings  to  allow  for 
the  frankness  of  these  accounts  of  my  unworthy  self,  as  I  am 
sure  you  would  wish  me  to  explain  the  objects  so  near  my 
heart, 

"  On  Friday  evening  I  have  a  lecture,  to  a  small  but  listen- 
ing people.  In  hay  and  harvest  time  it  is  much  reduced.  My 
valued  friend,  Mr.  Barker,  will  afford  you  any  and  every  in- 
formation concerning  parochial  matters.  He  will  introduce 
you  to  some  of  the  sick,  and  other  poor  people  ;  and  you  will 
find  religious  conversational  intercourse  in  visiting  the  poor, 
a  sure  road  to  their  hearts  ;  and,  during  my  absence,  no 
small  satisfaction  to  mine. 

"  Mr.  Barker  will  tell  you  all  about  my  new  school  plans, 
in  which  he  is  very  useful  to  me.  In  all  these  things,  my  dear 
sir,  you  v»ill  now,  for  a  season,  be  my  substitute.  Pray  to 
God  for  direction  ;  and  after,  pray  for  your  absent  friend.  Do 
the  work  of  an  evangelist, — resting  on  the  special  promises 
made  to  ministers  and  flocks.  Be  sincere,  humble,  affection, 
ate,  and  earnest ; — keep  close  to  the  Gospel  of  our  blessed 
Master,  in  private  and  in  public ;  and  may  He  comfort  and 
strengthen  you  in  all  things. 

"  Be  so  kind  to  be  exact  in  the  times  of  commencing  the 
different  services.  Sunday  morning,  at  ten  ;  afternoon,  at 
half  past  two  ;  evening,  at  six;  Friday  evening,  at  a  quarter 
before  seven. 

"  In  the  same  spirit  in  which  I  have  written  to  you  on  my 
feelings  and  wishes  as  a  minister,  I  now  also  wish  you  to  re- 
ceive these  expressions  as  a  friend  and  a  brother  ;  and  to  be 
assured  that  I  am,  very  affectionately  and  faithfully,  yours, 

Legh  Richmond." 

«'  Rev.  Mr.  R  s,  Turvey:' 

He  was  also  in  the  habit,  on  these  occasions,  of  writing 
pastoral  letters  to  his  people,  to  convince  them  that,  though 
absent  for  a  season,  he  was  still  not  unmindful  of  their  spiritual 
welfare.  These  epistles  are  written  with  much  plainness  of 
style,  united  with  useful  admonitions,  and  suitable  references 


152  MEMOIRS  OF  TUB 

to  the  circumstances  of  the  parish.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ward, 
the  excellent  minister  of  Iver,  has  long  adopted  this  practice 
on  a  more  extended  scale,  hy  addressing  a  yearly  epistle  to 
his  parishioners,  containing  the  substance  of  his  pastoral 
thoughts  and  reflections  :  and  we  think  this  example  worthy  of 
being  recommended  to  general  imitation  ;  as  they  are  pleas- 
ing memorials  of  affection  and  zeal,  and  seem  calculated  to 
strengthen  thci  bond  of  union  which  ought  ever  to  subsist 
between  a  minister  and  his  people.  We  shall  not  now  insert 
those  of  Mr.  Richmond,  because  they  contain  allusions-  to 
events  which  we  have  not  yet  had  the  opportunity  of  rela- 
ting ;  and  because  we  are  desirous  of  presenting  the  reader 
with  the  various  details  of  his  public  engagements  without  the 
interruption  of  other  subjects. 

Perhaps  some  may  be  disposed  to  think  that  the  excite- 
ment and  popularity  of  Mr.  Richmond's  publi.^.  life,  might 
disqualify  him  for  the  more  homely  and  retired  duties  of  a 
country  parish  priest. 

That  he  returned  with  his  mind  deeply  impressed  with 
the  importance  of  the  cause  which  he  had  been  pleading,  is 
most  true  ;  but  the  use  that  he  made  of  this  impression  was 
to  endeavor  to  enkindle  in  the  breast  of  others,  the  flame 
which  warmed  and  animated  his  own.  He  therefore  drew 
attention  to  these  subjects, — introduced  them  into  his  ser- 
mons ;  described  the  state  of  the  heathen  world  ;  their  idol- 
atries,— their  atrocious  rites  ; — the  burning  of  women  on  the 
funeral  pile, — their  awful  ignorance, — their  perishing  state  ; 
and  the  bounden  duty  of  Christians  to  send  them  that  Gospel 
which  the  mercy  of  God  had  put  into  their  own  hands.  These 
communications  were  then  novel,  and  excited  considerable 
interest. 

It  has  been  said  that  such  objects  are  too  remote  to  en- 
gage the  attention  of  the  poor  ;  and  that  their  poverty  disa- 
bles them  from  contributing  to  their  support.  But  the  princi- 
pal qualification  for  appreciating  missions  is  a  sense  of  the 
worth  of  an  immortal  soul :  and  he  who  knows  the  value  of  his 
own  soul,  be  he  poor  or  rich,  needs  no  other  argument  to  in- 
spire him  with  a  desire  to  save  the  souls  of  others  :  and  it 
must  be  mentioned  to  the  honor  of  the  lower  classes,  that 
they  have  been  found  to  be  valuable  and  efficient  friends  of 
missionary  exertions  ;  not  only  by  the  fervor  of  their  prayers, 
but  also  by  the  amount  of  their  pecuniary  contributions.  To 
many  of  them  may  be  applied  the  touching  commendation  of 
the  apostle,  when  speaking  of  the  poor  disciples  of  Corinth, — 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


153 


In  a  great  trial  of  affliction,  the  abundance  of  their  joy, 
and  their  deep  poverty,  abounded  unto  the  riches  of  their  li- 
berality,  for  to  their  power,  I  bear  record,  yea,  and  beyond 
their  power,  they  were  willing  of  themselves  :  praying  us.  with 
much  entreaty,  that  we  would  receive  the  gitl,  and  take  upon 
us  the  fellowship  of  the  ministering  to  the  saints  :  and  this  they 
did,  not  as  we  hoped,  but  first  gave  their  oicnsehes  to  the 
Lord,  and  unto  us  by  the  will  of  God.''  2  Cor.  viii,  2 — 5. 

The  people  of  Turvey  soon  expressed  a  desire  to  contribute 
their  aid  ;  and  a  Bible  and  Missionary  Society  were  accord- 
ingly established.  Mr.  Richmond  found  the  introduction  of 
these  subjects  to  be  attended  with  the  happiest  effects.  His 
people  acquired  more  enlarged  views  ;  they  read  their  Bibles 
with  increasing  interest  :  comprehended  better  the  scope  of 
prophecy,  and  the  future  spread  of  the  everlasting  Gospel 
among  all  the  nations  of  the  world  ;  they  prayed  for  its  ac- 
complishment, and  the  cause  of  missions  became  dear  to  their 
hearts.  There  was  also  a  reaction  upon  themselves, — they 
were  led  to  a  more  earnest  examination  of  their  own  state 
before  God.  In  reading  the  simple  narratives  of  poor  negrops 
mourning  for  their  sins,  or  rejoicing  in  the  peace  and  conso- 
lations of  the  Gospel,  they  caught  the  happy  contagion  ;  they 
wondered  to  see  emotions  described  so  like  their  own  ;  dis- 
covered that  the  human  heart  is  every  where  the  same  ;  and 
that  the  grace  of  God,  confined  to  no  clime  or  color,  can  im- 
part its  saving  influences  to  men  of  every  nation,  tongue,  and 
kindred.  In  thinking  of  the  souls  of  others,  they  became  in- 
creasingly interested  for  their  own  ;  and  learned  to  implore 
that  grace  with  renewed  earnestness  for  themselves,  the  trans- 
forming  power  and  efficacy  of  which  they  saw,  in  the  instance 
of  a  once-benighted  heathen. 

Another  question  may  occur. 

Did  his  family  sustain  no  injury  by  his  frequent  absence 
from  them. 

They  were  left  in  the  hands  of  an  excellent  mother  ;  to 
whose  assiduous  and  affectionate  care,  none  bore  a  more  will- 
ing  or  frequent  testimony  than  Mr.  Richmond.  But  his  own 
[Ceaseless  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  his  children  will  be 
jbest  shown  by  the  following  letters;  together  with  some  va- 
luable admonitions  addressed  to  his  daughters,  and  rules  for 
their  general  conduct  and  deportment. 
14 


154 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


October,  1815. 

"  My  dear  Child, — This  may  probably  reach  you  on  your 
birthday.  It  is  a  day  which  should  remind  you  of  the  im- 
portance of  time,  and  the  swift  approach  of  eternity.  It  bids 
you  remember  your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your  youth.  But 
have  you  ever  done  so  aright  ?  Have  you  seen  yourself  a  sin- 
ner, and  gone  to  the  blood  of  Christ  for  pardon  ?  Forms  and 
notions  never  yet  saved  a  soul  ;  and  have  you,  indeed,  ever 
gone  further  than  forms  and  notions  1  My  child,  be  in  earn- 
est ;  it  is  no  trifle  whether  you  have  real  grace  or  not  :  it  is 
every  thing  to  ascertain  this  point,  and  to  act  upon  it.  Do  you 
feel  a  burden  of  sin  for  daily  offences  ? — do  you  repent  ? — do 
you  pray  from  the  heart  ?  Suppose  God  were  to  see  good  to 
bring  you  to  a  bed  of  death,  where  are  your  evidences  that  you 
are  really  his  child  ?  Think  in  how  many  ways  you  have  of- 
fended him  in  thought,  word,  and  deed  ?  What  but  a  Saviour's 
blood  can  wipe  the  guilt  away  ? 

"  It  is  full  time,  my  dear  F  ,  that  you  show  a  decision 

of  character,  in  that  humble  yet  determined  separation  of  life, 
which  distinguishes  a  common  (alas  !  too  common,)  nominally 
Christian  child,  from  a  child  that  believes  in  Christ,  loves 
God,  and  is  taught  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

"  Secret,  free  prayer,  is  a  great  testimony  that  a  work  of 
grace  is  begun.  But  do  you  thus  pray  ?  Have  you  found  out 
the  sins  into  which  you  are  most  liable  to  fall,  and  most  easily 
tempted  to  commit  ?  These  are  your  bosom  foes,  and  must  be 
resisted  in  a  different  strength  from  any  which  you  naturally 
possess.  That  strength  is  only  to  be  obtained  in  Christ,  and 
by  believing  in  him  and  Jiim  a'one.  Grace,  free  grace,  reigns 
in  every  step  of  the  Christian  progress.  Do  you  ever  feel 
these  things  as  a  matter  of  uneasiness,  or  desire,  or  hope,  or 
fear  ?  It  will  not  satisfy  me,  and  I  hope  it  will  not  satisfy 
you,  that  you  have  had  so  many  advantages  of  a  Christian 
education,  unless  you  prove  to  yourself  and  me,  that  there  is 
a  work  of  the  Spirit  in  your  heart.  What  a  delightful  dis- 
play the  Lord  gave  us  of  his  goodness  and  power,  when  that 
dear  and  beloved  woman  your  mother  and  my  wife  (it  is  my 
highest  earthly  privilege  to  call  her-so,)  lay,  as  we  thought, 
on  the  bed  of  death  !  You  cannot  have  forgotten  it ; — no  one 
that  saw  it  ever  could.  But  that  day  was  a  warning  and  a 
consolation  for  us  ? — O  may  we  use  it  as  both.  But  do  not 
deceive  yourself, — mere  natural  feelings  and  meltings  of  heart 
are  not  enough.  Sin,  sin  is  the  great  cause  of  sorrow  ;  and 
,  therefore  must  you  weep.    Carry  sin  to  Jesus,  he  will  hide  it 


REV.   LEGH  KICH3I0:\D. 


155 


for  ever  from  his  Father's  sight.  Angels  rejoice  when  chil- 
dren weep  for  sin. 

"  Read  '  Little  Jane  !'  Two  Sunday  scholars  at  Manches- 
ter have  been  converted  to  God  this  summer,  by  reading 
it  ; — and  must  my  own  dear  child  heed  it  not  ?    I  trust  not. 

Pray,  dear  F  ,  for  faith  and  love  to  the  Saviour.  Happy 

shall  I  be  to  hear  from  yourself  (when  it  does  indeed  come 
from  your  heart,)  either  by  letter  or  word  of  mouth,  that  you 
feel  a  true  concern  for  your  never-dying  soul.  And  so  may 
God  give  you  many  happy  years,  if  it  so  please  him.  If  not, 
may  he  take  you,  as  a  pardoned  sinner,  to  himself,  in  his  own 
time. — Love  to  my  dear  H. 

"  From  her  and  your  truly  affectionate  father. 

"  Tell  H.  that  I  write  every  word  of  this  for  her,  as  well 
as  for  you." 

Keswick,  Oct.  16,  1815. 

'  My  dear  Daughter, 
"  The  exquisite  beauty  and  sublimity  of  this  country 
almost  makes  a  pen  move  of  itself.  Never  did  I  pass  so 
beautiful  a  day  as  this  at  the  Lakes.  I  shall  sing  the  praises 
of  October,  as  the  loveliest  of  months.  This  morning,  at  six 
o'clock,  I  Vvas  walking  on  the  banks  of  Winundermere,  to 
catch  a  sunrise.  I  had  every  thing  I  could  v/ish,  and  ob- 
served  the  progress  of  day  with  delight.  The  mysterious 
rolling  of  clouds  across  the  hills  announced  the  first  influence 
of  the  sun.  Tints  the  most  beauteous  skirted  the  eastern 
clouds  ;  those  on  the  west  caught  them  as  l>y  sympath}' .  Va- 
rious patches  of  mountains  soon  gleamed  with  the  reflection 
of  the  yet  unseen  luminary  ;  and  such  innumerable  vicissi- 
tudes of  light  and  shade,  and  claro  obsciiro,  filled  the  scene, 
as  no  tongue  can  describe.  The  lake,  in  all  its  length  of 
thirteen  miles,  lay  beneath  me,  with  its  thirty  islands.  I  heard 
the  early  lowing  of  the  cows,  the  bleating  of  the  sheep,  the 
neighing  of  the  horses,  the  twittering  of  the  birds,  the  rustling 
of  the  breeze,  the  rippling  of  the  water,  and  dashing  of  the 
oar,  in  a  gentle  kind  of  harmony.  The  sun  advanced,  and 
threw  a  blaze  of  magnificent  lustre  over  this  Paradisiacal  land- 
scape. I  soon  crossed  over  the  Lake,  and  passed  through 
rich  scenes  of  wonder  and  loveliness.  I  saw  Coniston  and 
Grasmere  Lakes,  under  circumstances  of  peculiar  advantage. 
Clusters  of  mountains  and  lesser  hills,  clothed  with  crags, 
brown  fern,  red  lichens,  green  grass,  purple  heath,  bushes, 
barren  gulleys,  cascades,  wild  streaks,  rolling  mists,  bright 


156 


ME5IOIRS  OF  THE 


sunshine,  &c.  presented  incessant  variety.  Hill  towered 
above  hill, — Alpine  peaks  reared  their  heads, — groves  filled 
the  valleys,  and  cottages  were  sprinkled  in  wild  profusion. 

I  dined  at  a  little  romantic  inn,  at  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tain Helvellyn.  The  Lake  of  Leatheswater  extended  its 
four  miles'  length  close  by.  My  parlor  window  faced  the 
great  hill  ; — a  mountain  stream  fell  from  a  great  height,  turn- 
bling  with  a  murmuring  sound  down  into  the  vale.  Something 
dimmed  the  pane  of  glass  through  which  I  viewed  it.  On 
inspection,  I  found  the  following  lines,  written  with  a  dia- 
mond : — 

'Flow,  mountain  streamlet,  swiftly  flow, 
And  fertilize  the  plain  below  ; — 
Sweet  emblem  of  that  gracious  love 
Which  pours  down  blessings  from  above  ; 
The  stream  of  mercy,  Lord,  is  thine, — 
The  lowly  heart  that  feels  it,  mine.' 

"  On  another  pane  was  written — 

•Fortjet  not,  mortal  traveller,  thou  must  die, 
Before  thy  journey's  end,  ask — 'Wluere  am  I?' 

"  And  once  more  — 

'These  lovely  scenes  before  mine  eyes 
Form  a  terrestial  Paradise. 
But  this  shall  quickly  pass  away  : 
Then  seek  one  in  eternal  day.' 

"  Thence  I  advanced  to  Keswick.  Before  me  stood  the 
giants  of  the  scenery,  Skiddaw  and  Saddleback, — in  sublime 
beauty,  not  to  be  expressed.  Their  length,  their  breadth, 
their  height,  their  wildness,  their  roughness,  their  smooth- 
ness, their  surface,  their  profile,  their  tout  ensemble,  most 
grand,  most  interesting.  At  length  the  Lakes  of  Derwent- 
water  and  Bassenthwaites  burst  upon  the  eye  with  all  the 
charms  that  painters  and  poets  love,  and  which  Christians 
know  how  to  love,  far  better  than  either.  The  scene  from  a 
hill,  a  mile  on  the  road  from  Keswick,  so  much  exceeds  the 
powers  of  my  pen  to  describe,  that  I  can  only  say, — "  How 
amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,'  O  Lord,  the  Creator  ! 

*'  I  watched  the  moon  decline  on  the  lake,  and  then  studied 
the  whole  scene  by  the  finest  starlight  1  ever  beheld.  Mars 
is  now  in  the  east,  like  .Tupiter  ;  yea,  bright  as  a  moon.  The 
Great  Bear  hangs  pendant  exactly  over  Skiddaw,  and  Mars 
rises  triumphantly  over  the  summit  of  Saddleback ;  the  Ga- 
laxy sweeps  over  the  hemisphere,  white  as  milk,  and  clear  as 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


157 


moonlight.  All  is  solemn,  silent,  peaceful.  I  write  you  this 
faint  breathing  of  expression.  Could  you  copy  these  scenes, 
I  should  be  proud  of  your  company  here  ;  I  trust  some  day 
you  will. 

This  morning,  as  I  stood  on  an  eminence,  looking  down 
on  the  exquisitely  lovely  Lake  of  Grasmere,  environed  by  its 
amphitheatre  of  mountains,  a  momentary  shower  produced  a 
rainbow ; — it  extended  from  hill  to  hill,  over  the  valley,  and 
seemed  like  a  bridge  for  angels  to  pass  over  from  one  district 
of  Paradise  to  another  : 

"And  as  ihey  pas.?,  let  angels  sing 
The  wonders  of  creation's  King; 
And  while  ihey  tune  tlieir  harps  to  praise, 
I'd  gladly  catch  their  solemn  lays; 
Unite  with  theirs  my  feeble  tongue, 
And  give  to  gratitude  my  song." 

"  My  dear  M  , 

"  I  leave  you,  in  much  love,  a  few  fatherly  hints. 

1.  Be  constant  in  private  prayer. 

2.  Be  wise  in  the  choice  of  books  ;  shun  every  thing  of 
the  romance  and  novel  kind  ;  and  even  in  poetry,  keep  to 
what  is  useful  and  instructive,  as  well  as  pleasant. 

3.  In  company,  show  that  the  principles  of  your  father's 
house  and  ministry  are  your  rule  of  conduct,  and  your  real 
delight.  Be  consistent ; — cheerful,  but  not  light ;  conversi- 
ble,  but  not  trifling. 

4.  Keep  ever  in  view,  Uiat  you  are  supporting  my  cha- 
racter  and  credit,  as  well  as  your  own. 

5.  Show  a  marked  preference  to  such  conversation,  re- 
marks,  persons,  discussions,  and  occupations  as  may  tend  to 
essential  good. 

6.  Always  think  before  you  speak ;  say  and  do  neither 
hastily  nor  unadvisedly. 

7.  If  any  proposal  is  ever  made  to  you  in  which  you  hesi- 
tate how  to  act,  first  say  to  yourself, — how  would  God  have 
me  to  act  ?  Secondly, — what  would  my  parents  have  me  to 
do  if  they  were  here  to  advise  me  ? 

8.  Never  lose  sight  of  this  :  that  the  more  public  my  name, 
character,  and  ministry  are  become,  the  more  eyes  and  ears 
are  turned  to  my  children's  conduct ;  they  are  expected,  in 
knowledge  and  circumspettion,  in  religion  and  morals,  in 
opinions  and  habits,  to  show  where  they  have  been  educated  ; 
and  to  adorn,  not  only  their  Christian  profession,  but  th^ir 
parents'  principles. 

14" 


158 


MEMOIXS  OF  THE 


9.  In  music,  prefer  serious  to  light  compositions ;  and  m 
vocal,  keep  close  to  sacred  words. 

10.  Pray  much  for  your  affectionate  father, 

Legh  Richmond. 

"  P.  S.  I  send  you  the  following  application  of  a  sermon., 
from  Eph.  v.  15,  16  ; — 

On  circumspection  of  walk ;  redemption  of  lime  ;  and  gene- 
ral transparency  of  character* 

1.  Adhere  most  scrupulously  to  truth  ;  and  labor  to  pre- 
serve the  strictest  integrity,  simplicity,  and  sincerity. 

2.  Engage  in  no  pursuit  in  which  you  cannot  look  up  untt* 
God,  and  say,  '  Bless  me  in  this,  O  my  Father !' 

3.  Strive  to  be  as  kind,  forbearing,  and  forgiving  as  you 
can,  both  to  friends  and  foes. 

4.  Never  speak  evil  of  any  one,  on  any  pretence  whatever- 

5.  Strive  to  recommend  religion  by  the  courtesy,  civilitVr 
and  condescending  character  of  your  conduct. 

6.  Watch  against  irritation,  positiveness,  unkind  speakings  ^ 
and  anger ;  study  and  promote  love» 

7.  Mortify  lusts,  sensuality,  and  sloth. 

8.  Never  allow  others  to  speak  well  of  you  ;  nor  espe- 
cially yourself,  to  say  or  think  any  thing  of  yourself,  but  as 
poorly  done.  Keep  down  pride  ;  let  it  not  be  indulged  for  a 
moment,  and  watch  against  it.  , 

9.  Shut  out  evil  imaginations,  and  angry  thoughts, 

10.  Let  it  be  your  sole  business  here  to  prepare  for  eter- 
nity.   Consider  every  moment  of  time  in  that  view. 

1 1 .  Remember  that  you  have  to  contend  with  a  legion  of 
devils  ;  a  heart  full  of  deceit  and  iniquity  ;  and  a  world  at 
enmity  with  God. 

12.  Pray  that  you  may  ever  rejoice  in  the  advancement  ot 
Christ's  kingdom,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners  ;  and  labor  in 
every  way  to  promote  these  objects. 

Prayer  is  the  only  weapon  which  can  subdue  your  cor> 
ruptions,  and  keep  your  evidences  bright.  Cultivate  prayer." 

We  add  another  of  these  edifying  testimonies  of  paternal 
solicitude  and  love. 

y    *'  To  my  Daughters. 

w    "  With  a  heart  full  of  affection,  I  sit  down  to  express  u 
few  sentiments  and  intimations  o"  my  wishes.,  as  connected 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


159 


with  your  conduct,  in  the  course  of  any  journey  or  absence 
from  home.  I  wish  each  of  you  to  preserve  a  copy  of  it, 
my  dear  children,  and  often  look  at  it ;  take  it  with  you  when 
from  home,  and  keep  it  safe  when  at  home. 

"Independently  of  my  anxious  wishes  for  your  secret, 
spiritual  welfare,  I  have  much  to  feel  on  my  own  account,  in 
point  of  credit  and  character,  as  connected  with  your  deport- 
ment, in  every  house  and  company  into  which  I  may  introduce 
vou.  I  have  not  a  doubt  of  your  general  affectionate  wish  to 
speak  and  act  right ;  but  inexperience,  youth,  thoughtlessness, 
and  want  of  more  acquaintance  with  the  world  carnal  and  the 
world  religious,  may  easily  occasion  inconsistencies  and  er- 
rors which  might  be  injurious  to  your  gwn,  as  well  as  to  my 
comfort  and  credit.  Accept,  therefore,  a  father's  blessings 
and  prayers,  with  a  father's  chapter  of  admonitions  and  ex- 
planations. 

"  You  are  not  unaware  that  my  name  and  character  have 
acquired  much  publicity  ; — that  I  avowedly  belong  to  a  class 
of  Christian  ministers  who  profess,  for  Christ's  and  their 
souls'  sake,  to  be  separate  from  the  world, — to  maintain 
purer  and  more  distinct  views  of  the  Scripture  doctrine — and 
to  be  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  behalf  of  the  truth  as  it 
is  m  Jesus.  I  am,  therefore,  supposed  not  only  to  maintain  a. 
consistent  separation  from  the  follies  and  vices  of  the  world, 
its  pomps  and  vanities,  but  to  aim  at  so  ruling  and  guidiug  my 
household,  that  my  principles  may  shine  forth  in  their  con- 
duct. Any  want  of  correctness,  consistency,  faithfulness,  and 
propriety  in  them,  will  always  attach  a  mixture  of  censure, 
surprise,  and  concern,  as  it  regards  me.  The  friends  of  reli- 
gion will  grieve,  and  those  who  are  otherwise  will  rejoice,  if 
you  could  be  drawn  into  compliances,  and  expressions  of  sen- 
timent, at  variance  with  your  father's  : — always,  therefore, 
keep  in  remembrance,  whether  you  are  in  company  with  de- 
cidedly  religious  and  consistent  Christians,  or  with  those  who 
are  only  partially  so,  or  with  those  who  are  unhappily  not  so  at 
all, — that  you  have  not  only  your  own  peace  of  conscience  to 
maintain,  but  the  estimation  and  honor  of  your  parent  also.* 
"  Many  temptations  will  occur,  to  induce  you  to  yield  and 
aform  to  habits  and  principles,  the  very  reverse  of  those 

*  Should  anyone  think  there  is  too  prominent  a  regard  expressed  for  his 
own  reputation,  in  the  advice  and  admonition  lie  gives  his  children;  let  such 
^  objerlor  compare  Mr.  Richmond's  feelings  with  those  of  the  apostle, 
in  adverting  to  t!ie  conduct  of  his  spiritual  children: — "Lest  when  I  come 
again,  my  God  will  humble  me  amongst  you;  and  that  I  should  bewail  m:iHy 
who  have  sinned  already,"  &c,    2  Cor.  xii,  21. 


160 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


which  you  hear  me  supporting,  both  in  the  pulpit  and  the  par- 
lor. Be  not  ashamed  of  firmly,  though  modestly,  in  such 
cases,  resisting  them.  State  what  mine  and  your  principles 
are,  and  heed  not  the  momentary  unpleasantness  of  appearing 
singular,  when  conscience  and  duty  require  it.  You  may 
easily  say,  '  My  father  does  not  approve  of  such  and  such 
things,  neither  can  I.'  No  person  whose  estimation  is  worth 
having  will  think  the  worse  of  you,  for  such  instances  of  mild 
but  decisive  firmness  ;  and  without  it,  I  should  be  disgraced. 

"  All  descriptions  of  public  amusements  ;  novels,  popular 
amorous  poems,  plays,  songs,  vanities,  and  finery  ;  and  all  the 
sad  tribe  of  poisonous  and  dangerous  pursuits,  should  be  re- 
gulated by  this  principle  ;  and  O,  that  your  own  simplicity 
and  love  to  Christ,  may  never  give  way  to  one  sad  influence 
of  false  sentiment,  even  amongst  those  whom,  on  other  ac- 
counts, we  may  esteem  and  regard.  The  half-religious  are 
often  more  dangerous  than  those  who  are  less  so  ;  because 
we  are  more  on  our  guard  in  the  latter  case  than  the  former. 
The  great  number  of  instances  in  which  I  have  seen  the 
young  people  of  religious  families  deeply  injured  in  their  spi- 
rits  and  habits,  by  much  visiting  with  persons  of  different  views 
and  customs  from  those  of  their  own  household,  has  made  me, 
I  confess,  from  pure  motives  of  conscience  and  prudence,  very 
averse  to  much  of  that  sort  of  visiting  in  my  own  children's 
case,  which  I  know  to  have  been  productive  of  bad  conse- 
quences in  others.  And  the  difhculty  of  drawing  the  line  has 
always  appeared  very  great  with  my  numerous  friends  and 
acquaintance.  Still  I  wish  to  make  you  happy  in  every  rea- 
sonable way  ;  and  I  am  glad  when  I  can  give  you  the  advan- 
tage of  new  scenes  and  company,  when  it  is  of  the  right 
kind.  But  as  in  my  journeys,  extensive  intercourse  takes 
place,  a  great  variety  of  characters  will  fall  in  your  way  ;  and 
I  wish  for  all  your  sakes  that  you  may  be  provided  with  sober, 
discreet,  and  religious  caution,  that  the  natural  ardor  of 
youth  may  not  lead  you  into  unbecoming  or  sinful  compli- 
ances. 1  know  many  families,  and  you  know  a  few,  where, 
perhaps  the  parents  are  rehgious,  but  their  young  people  are 
very  imperfectly,  if  at  all  so  ;  in  such  cases  you  may,  from 
equality  of  age,  be  thrown  much  more  into  the  light,  frivo- 
lous, and  objectionable  conversation  of  the  younger,  than  the 
more  useful  communications  of  the  elders  of  the  family.  Here 
often,  there  is  danger  ;  ever  prefer  and  choose  those,  of  what- 
ever age,  in  whom  you  think  you  discover  a  holy,  serious, 
benevolent,  consistent  way  of  acting  and  speaking. 


REV.    LEGn  KICHMO^D. 


161 


''A  young  professor  of  religion  has  not,  in  mosf  instances, 
so  difficult  a  task  to  sustain,  when  in  conversation  with  those 
of  a  decidedly  religious  deportment,  as  with  worldly  persons, 
and  those  who  can  scarcely  be  ranked  as  consistently  serious, 
although  often  to  be  met  with  in  religious  parties.  If,  how- 
ever,  your  conscience  be  correct,  you  will  see  more  and  more 
the  duty  of  acting  and  speaking  aright,  and  you  must  ever 
pray  for  grace  to  direct  and  govern  you.  Difficulties  and 
dangers  of  this  kind  greatly  multiply,  when  those  who,  from 
relationship  and  family  regard,  stand  very  near  to  natural 
love  and  affection,  are  nevertheless,  in  great  measure,  stran- 
gers to  the  power  of  true  religion,  and  therefore  mingle  with 
the  world  wholly,  pursue  its  pleasures,  and  support  its  cus- 
toms.  I  entreat  you  to  be  much  on  your  guard  in  all  such 
cases.  Decays  in  religious  feeling  and  conduct  continually 
arise  from  this  source  ;  and  endanger  the  temporal,  spiritual, 
und  eternal  welfare  of  many  a  hopeful  family. 

I  am  frequently  placed  in  situations  myself,  where  I  find  it 
very  difficult  to  satisfy  my  conscience  that  I  am  doing  right, 
amongst  people  and  families  where  real  religion  has  little  or 
no  part  in  their  ways  and  conversation.  In  trying  to  be 
kind,  attentive,  and  too  compliant,  perhaps,  to  their  habits, 
I  feel  that  I  am  in  great  danger  of  strengthening  them  in 
evil,  and  always  of  injuring  my  own  consistency  as  a  Chris  * 
tian. 

"  I  will  now  add  some  remarks,  placed  under  select  heads,  > 
;  which  may  make  them  more  conspicuous,  and  better  remem- 
bered :  and  may  God  render  them  useful  to  you  !   Keep  them 
constantly  with  you,  and  let  them  be  always  read  over,  at 
least  once  a  week. 

AMUSEMENTS. 

Plays,  balls,  public  concerts,  cards,  private  dances,  &c. 
Serious,  consistent  Christians,  must  resist  these  things,  be- 
I  cause  the  dangerous  spirit  of  the  world  and  the  flesh  is  in  them 
I  all :  they  are  the  "  pomps  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world,** 
-o  solemnly  renounced  at  baptism.    To  be  conformed  to  these 
seductive  and  more  than  frivolous  scenes,  is  to  be  conformed 
to  this  world,  and  opposed  to  the  character  and  precepts  of 
Ciirist.    They  who  see  no  harm  in  these  things  are  spiritu- 
ally blind ;  and  they  who  will  not  hear  admonition  against 
them,  are  spiritually  deaf.    Shun,  my  dear  girls,  the  plea- 


162 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


sures  of  sin,  and  seek  those  which  are  at  God's  right  hand 
for  evermore.    You  cannotlowe  both. 

Blessed  be  God,  you  have  been  kept  far  from  those,  who 
make  such  recreations  their  idols  to  wean  their  hearts  from 
God.  Never  in  any  conversation  speak  lightly  or  triflingly 
of  these  subjects,  as  if  you  had  not  imbibed  proper  sentiments- 
concerning  them.  Ever  preserve  the  consistency  of  your 
parental  house  and  principles, 

BOOKS. 

Characters  are  speedily  discerned  by  their  choice  of  books. 
Novels  in  prose  I  need  not  now  forbid  ;  ignorant  as  you  are 
of  their  bad  tendency,  by  experience,  you,  I  am  persuaded, 
trust  me  on  that  head,  and  will  never  sacrifice  time,  affection, 
or  attention  to  them.  But  beware  of  novels  in  verse.  Poets 
are  more  dangerous  than  prose  writers,  when  their  principles 

are  bad.    Were  Lord  B   no  better  poet  than  he  is  a 

man,  he  might  have  done  little  harm  ;  but  when  a  bad  man  is 
a  good  poet,  and  makes  his  good  poetry  the  vehicle  of  his 
bad  sentiments,  he  does  mischief  by  wholesale.  Do  not 
be  ashamed  of  having  never  read  the  fashionable  poem  of  the 
day.  A  Christian  has  no  time,  and  should  have  no  inclina- 
tion for  any  reading  that  has  no  real  tendency  to  improve  the 
heart.  The  finest  rule  I  ever  met  with  in  regard  to  the  choice 
of  books,  is  this  : — "  Books  are  good  or  bad  in  their  effects,  as 
they  make  us  relish  the  word  of  God,  the  more  or  the  less 
after  we  have  read  them."  There  are  too  many  valuable 
books  on  a  variety  of  subjects,  which  ought  to  be  read,  to 
allow  of  time  to  be  dedicated  to  unworthy  and  useless  ones. 

MUSIC. 

Shun  all  the  wretched  folly  and  corruption  of  light,  silly, 
and  aniorous  songs,  on  the  same  principle  that  you  would 
shun  books  of  the  same  nature.  Sacred  music  is  the  true 
refuge  of  the  Christian  musician.  I  wish  your  ears,  your 
hearts,  and  your  tongues  were  oftener  tuned  to  such  melo- 
dies. The  play-house,  the  opera,  and  the  concert-room, 
have  deluged  the  world  with  the  abuses  of  the  heavenly  art 
of  music.  Music  was  designed  to  lead  the  soul  to  heaven, 
but  the  corruption  of  man  has  greatly  perverted  the  merciful 
intention.  Do  not  you  belong  to  such  perverters,  nor  seem 
to  take  pleasure  in  those  who  do. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


163 


DRESS. 

Aim  at  great  neatness  and  simplicity.  Shun  finery  and 
show. 

Be  not  in  haste  to  follow  new  fashions. 

Remember,  that  with  regard  to  dress,  Christians  ought  to 
be  decidedly  plainer,  and  less  showy  than  the  people  of  the 
world.  I  wish  it  to  be  said  of  the  females  of  my  house, — 
"  with  what  evident  and  becoming  simplicity  are  the  daugh- 
ters of  Simplex"^  attired."  I  refer  you  to  my  last  letter  on 
that  subject. 

BEHAVIOUR  IN  COMPANY. 

Be  cheerful,  but  not  gigglers. 
Be  serious,  but  not  dull. 
Be  communicative,  but  not  forward. 
Be  kind,  but  not  servile. 

In  every  company,  support  your  own  and  your  father's 
principles  by  cautious  consistency. 

Beware  of  silly,  thoughtless  speeches  :  although  you  may 
forget  them,  others  will  not. 

Remember  God's  eye  is  in  every  place,  and  his  ear  in 
every  company. 

Beware  of  levity  and  familiarity  with  young  men  ;  a  mo- 
dest reserve,  without  affectation,  is  the  only  safe  path ; — grace 
is  needful  here  ;  ask  for  it  ;  you  know  where. 

JOURNEYING. 

Cultivate  knowledge  as  you  travel : — 
History,  antiquities, — in  cities,  towns,  churches,  castles, 
ruins, 

Natural  history, — in  plants,  earths,  stones,  minerals,  ani- 
mals, <Sz;c. 

Picturesque  taste, — in  landscape-scenery  and  all  its  bound- 
less combinations. 

Cultivate  good-humored  contentment,  in  all  the  little  in- 
conveniences incident  to  inns,  roads,  weather,  &c. 

Cultivate  a  deep  and  grateful  sense  of  the  power,  wisdom, 
and  goodness  of  God,  in  creation  and  providence,  as  succes- 
sively presented  to  your  notice  from  place  to  place. 

*Mr.  Riclimond's  signature  in  the  *  Christian  Guardian/ 


164 


MEMOIRS    OF  THE 


Keep  diaries  and  memoranda  of  daily  events,  places,  per- 
sons, objects,  conversations,  sermons,  public  meetings,  beau- 
ties, wonders,  and  mercies,  as  you  travel.  Be  minute  and 
faithful. 

Ask  many  questions  of  such  as  can  afford  useful  informa- 
tion  as  to  what  you  see. 

Write  your  diary  daily  ; — delays  are  very  prejudicial. 
You  owe  a  diary  to  yourself,  to  your  friends  left  at  home,  and 
to  your  father,  who  gives  you  the  pleasure  and  profit  of  the 
journey. 

PRAYER. 

i 

Strive  to  preserve  a  praying  mind  through  the  day ;  not 
only  at  the  usual  and  stated  periods,  but  every  where,  and  at 
all  times,  and  in  all  companies.  This  is  your  best  preser- 
vative against  error,  weakness,  and  sin. 

Always  remember  that  you  are  in  the  midst  of  temptations  ; 
and  never  more  so,  than  when  most  pleased  with  outward  ob- 
jects and  intercourse. 

Pray  and  watch  ;  for  if  the  spirit  be  willing,  yet  the  flesh 
is  deplorably  weak. 

RELIGION. 

Keep  ever  in  mind  that  for  your  own  sake  and  for  my  sake, 
you  have  a  religions  profession  to  sustain  ;  and  this  both  in 
serious  and  worldly  company.  Be  firm  and  consistent  in  them 
both.  Many  eyes  and  ears  are  open  to  observe  what  my  chil- 
dren say  and  do,  and  will  be  wherever  we  go.  Pray  to  be 
preserved  from  errors,  follies,  and  offences,  which  bring  an 
evil  name  upon  the  ways  of  God.  You  may  sometimes  hear 
ridicule,  prejudice,  and  censure  assail  the  friends  of  true  reli- 
gion ; — it  ever  was,  and  will  be  so  :  but  "  blessed  are  they 
which  are  persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake,  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven."  Be  not  ashamed  of  Christ  here,  and 
he  will  not  be  ashamed  of  you  hereafter. 

Court  and  encourage  serious  conversation  with  those  who 
are  truly  serious  and  conversible ;  and  do  not  go  into  valua- 
ble company  without  endeavoring  to  improve  by  the  inter- 
course permitted  to  you.  Nothing  is  more  unbecoming,  than 
that,  while  one  part  of  a  company  is  engaged  in  profitable 
and  interesting  conversation,  another  part  should  be  trifling, 
giggling,  and  talking  comparative  nonsense  to  each  other. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


165 


Ever  show  the  interest  which  you  take  in  the  subjects  of 
schools  for  the  poor,  the  distribution  of  tracts,  the  Bible  and 
Missionary  Societies,  and  all  those  important  topics  which  so 
deeply  occupy  the  people  of  God  :  and  when  you  can  find  a 
congenial  friend,  talk  of  heaven  and  eternity,  and  your  soul 
and  your  Saviour.  This  will  be  as  a  shield  to  your  head  and 
your  heart. 

ESTIMATE  OF  CHARACTERS. 

Look  first  for  grace.  Do  not  disesteem  good  people  on 
account  of  their  foibles,  or  deficiencies  in  matters  of  little  im- 
portance. Gold  unpolished  is  far  more  valuable  than  the 
brightest  brass.  Never  form  unfavorable  opinions  of  religious 
people  hastily. — '*  Charity  hopeth  all  things."  Prize  those 
families  where  you  find  constant  family  prayer  ;  and  suspect 
evil  and  danger  where  it  is  avowedly  unknown  and  unprac- 
tised. Always  remember  the  astonishing  difference  between 
the  true  followers  of  Jesns,  and  the  yet  unconverted  world, 
and  prize  them  accordingly,  whatever  be  their  rank  in  society. 

Gentility  and  piety  form  a  happy  union  ;  but  poverty  and 
piety  are  quite  as  acceptable  in  the  eyes  of  God, — and  so 
they  ought  to  be  in  ours.  Not  only  are  the  poor  far  more 
in  actual  number  than  the  rich,  but  experience  proves  that 
the  proportionate  number  of  the  truly  serious  amongst  the 
poor  is  much  greater  than  the  corresponding  proportion  of 
numbers  amongst  the  rich.  Take  1000  poor  and  100  rich  ; 
you  will  probably  find  ten  of  the  latter  serious  ;  but  200  of 
the  foriTier  shall  be  so  at  the  same  time. 

Beware  of  the  critical  hearing  of  sermons  preached  by  good 
men.  It  is  an  awful  thing  to  be  occupied  in  balancing  the 
merits  of  a  preacher,  instead  of  the  demerits  of  yourself. 
Consider  every  opportunity  of  j\earing  as  a  message  sent  you 
from  heaven.  For  all  the  sermons  you  have  heard,  you  will 
have  to  render  an  account  at  the  last  day. 

PARENTS. 
Seek  to  make  them  happy  in  you. 

If  you  perceive  that  any  thing  in  your  ways  makes  them 
otherwise,  you  ought  to  have  no  peace  until  you  have  cor- 
rected it  ;  and  if  you  find  yourself  indifferent  or  insensible  to 
their  will  and  wishes,  depend  upon  it  yours  is  a  carnal,  diso- 
bedient, ungrateful  heart.  If  you  love  them,  keep  their  com- 
15 


166 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


mandments  ;  otherwise  love  is  a  mere  word  in  the  mouth,  or 
a  notion  in  the  fancy,  but  not  a  ruling  principle  in  the  heart. 
They  know  much  of  the  world,  you  very  little  :  trust  them, 
therefore,  when  they  differ  from  you  and  refuse  compliance 
with  your  desires  ; — they  watch  over  you  for  God,  and  are 
entitled  to  great  deference  and  cheerful  obedience.  You  may 
easily-.,shorten  the  lives  of  affectionate  and  conscientious  pa- 
rents, by  misconduct,  bad  tempers,  and  alienation  from  their 
injunctions.    Let  not  this  sin  be  laid  to  your  charge. 

"  I  shall  add  no  more  at  present,  than  that  I  am  your  affec- 
tionate father,  L.  Richmond." 

We  reserve  the  insertion  of  some  interesting  letters,  ad- 
dressed to  Mrs.  Richmond,  for  another  part  of  this  Memoir. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Detection  of  an  extraordinary  imposture  by  Mr.  Richmond— Publication  of  his 
Tracts—Review  of  them— Their  gre  It  popularity  and  extensive  circulation,  etc.— 
American  editions— Remarks  on  the  subject— Mr.  Richmond's  connexion  with  the 
Tract  Society. 

In  the  year  1813,  Mr.  Richmond  was  the  means  of  detect- 
ing one  of  the  grossest  impostures  ever  practised  upon  the 
credulity  of  the  public.  A  woman  of  the  name  of  Ann  Moore, 
of  Tutbury,  in  Staffordshire,  professed  to  have  lived  six  years 
without  having  taken  any  solid  food,  and  four  years  and  a 
half  without  any  liquid.  The  singularity  of  the  case^led  per- 
sons to  visit  her  from  various  parts  ;  and  on  these  occasions 
she  maintained  an  appearance  of  moral  and  religious  feeling, 
which  left  an  impression  of  a  highly  favorable  nature  on  the 
minds  of  those  who  conversed  with  her.  She  ascribed  her 
existence,  in  this  state  of  inedia,  to  absorption  by  the  lungs 
and  skin  ;  and  declared  that  some  physicians  had  assured  her 
of  the  possibility  of  the  case.  Leaving  disquisitions  of  this 
nature  to  medical  men,  it  is,  nevertheless,  a  well-established 
fact,  that  after  a  watch  of  sixteen  days,  in  the  year  1808, 
during  which  no  discovery  was  made  of  her  having  taken  any 
food  or  liquid  whatsoever,  a  strong  disposition  prevailed  among 
several  physicians  and  surgeons  of  known  talent  and  respect- 
ability, to  give  credit  to  her  assertions.  A  second  and  stricter 
watch,  was,  however,  agreed  upon,  and  the  arrangement  of  it 
committed  to  the  direction  of  Mr.  Richmond,  who  felt  a  pecu- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


167 


liar  interest  in  the  case,  and  formed  a  committee  for  the  pur- 
pose, composed  of  several  medical  and  other  respectable 
gentlemen.  The  precautions  were  so  well  taken  against  the 
admission  of  any  kind  of  nourishment,  that  the  woman  was 
reduced  to  a  state  of  exhaustion,  and  finally  confessed  the 
imposture. 

An  excellent  pamphlet  was  drawn  up  on  this  occasion,  by 
Mr.  Richmond,  containing  many  valuable  remarks  of  a  phy- 
siological nature  ;  but  as  we  feel  most  interested  in  the  moral 
view  of  the  subject,  we  insert  the  following  reflections  of  the 
author,  arising  from  the  discovery  of  the  hypocrisy  and  pre- 
tended«abstinence  of  this  extraordinary  impostor.  We  refer 
the  reader  to  the  pamphlet  itself  for  further  information.* 

"  Those  who  are  accustomed  to  trace  and  admire  the  lead- 
ing steps  of  God's  providential  government  in  the  conduct  of 
human  affairs,  will  not  fail  to  connect  together  all  the  links 
of  the  chain  of  occurrences  by  which  this  detection  was  begun 
and  completed.  At  the  same  time,  other  hypocrites  and  im- 
postors will  be  taught  by  the  present  exposure  of  guilt,  that 
'  verily  there  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth.' 

"  But  further  :  this  woman  pretended  to  a  high  degree  of 
veneration  for  the  Scriptures,  and  the  religion  of  the  Gospel 
of  Christ.  She  had,  partly  by  reading  books,  and  partly  by 
intercourse  with  various  persons  of  intelligence  and  piety,  ac- 
quired a  more  than  ordinary  share  of  religious  knowledge. 
She  possessed  a  fluency  of  speech,  and  could  assume  an  in- 
teresting deportment  in  conversations  of  a  serious  nature. 

"  Hypocrisy  is  at  all  times  odious,  but  religious  hypocrisy 
pre-eminently  so,  Christianity,  in  its  true  character  and  pri- 
vileges, is  a  jewel  of  too  high  a  value  not  to  provoke,  from  the 
basest  motives,  many  a  specious,  though  spurious  imitation  of 
its  excellence.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  the  cause  of  religion 
has  suffered  much  in  worldly  estimation  through  the  miscon- 
duct  of  unworthy  pretenders.  From  hence  infidelity  takes  oc- 
casion to  triumph  ;  prejudice  gains  strength ;  licentiousness 

*  By  the  committee,  which  consisted  of  33  clergy  and  gentry,  wiih  Sir 
Oswald  Mosely  as  tiieir  chairman,  it  was  resolved  unanimously — "Tiiatthe 
thanks  of  the  Committee  be  given  to  the  Rev.  L.  Richmond,  (to  whose  origi- 
nal proposition  in  November  hist,  and  subsequent  perseverance  ia  the  p!aa 
till  the  present  time,  the  discovery  of  the  im|)osture  has  been  owing,)  for  the 
pains  he  has  bestowed  on  a  subject  whicii  has  excited  so  much  public  inter- 
est. And  that  he  be  requested  to  prepare  for  the  press,  a  statement  of  facts 
relative  to  the  supposed  abstinence  of  Ann  Moore;  and  a  narrative  of  the 
circumstances  which  led  to  the  present  detection  of  the  imposture." — See 
Statement  of  FactSj  Preface. 


168 


3IEM0IKS  OF  THE 


grows  bolder  ;  and  the  enmity  of  the  multitude  against  moral 
principles  and  practice,  finds  a  delusive  apology  for  sia  in  the 
exposure  of  the  hypocritical  professor.  True  Christians  will 
hence  learn  the  indispensable  necessity  of  the  most  unbending 
uprightness  and  simplicity  in  all  the  concerns  of  life  ;  that 
they  may  not  bring  an  evil  name  on  the  cause  which  lies 
nearest  to  their  heart  and  welfare. 

"  Those  who  are  at  all  acquainted  with  the  secret  recesses 
and  operations  of  corruption  in  the  human  heart,  will  find,  in 
the  recent  detection  of  this  impostor,  a  source  of  convincing 
and  improving  meditation.  While  too  many  others,  perhaps, 
may  indulge  in  unfeeling  and  indecorous  levity,  wlipn  con- 
templating this  discovery  of  sin,  wretchedness,  and  shame  ; 
the  real  believer  in  the  sacred  truths  which  the  Scriptures  re- 
veal will  view  it  with  far  different  feelings.  Such  an  one 
too  well  knows  the  awful  nature  and  tendency  of  sin,  to  dare 
to  trifle  with  it  even  so  much  as  in  thought. 

"  Yet,  however  implicated  the  notoriety  of  this  woman's 
supposed  abstinence  may  have  been  with  her  pretensions  of  a 
religious  nature,  real  religion  cannot  eventually  suffer  by  the 
disclosure  of  her  true  character.  Had  she  been  even  more 
uniformly  consistentnn  her  outward  conduct  than  was  actually 
the  case  ;  yet  truth  cannot  lose  its  integral  virtue  because 
falsehood  occasionally  assumes  its  external  garb. — The  Bible 
is  still  the  word  of  God,  and  loses  none  of  its  intrinsic  worth  al- 
though it  once  made  an  ostentatious  appendage  to  the  furni- 
ture of  Ann  Moore.  Nor  has  the  hallowed  name  of  a  Re- 
deemer ceased  to  be  holy,  because  her  polluted  lips  have  of- 
ten taken  it  in  vain.  The  infidel  and  the  profligate  are  in  no 
less  danger  of  the  ripening  vengeance  of  God,  because  they 
can  now  point  with  the  finger  of  scorn  at  the  detected  hypo- 
crite. The  invaluable  blessings  which  genuine  Christianity 
ever  did,  and  ever  must  pour  down  upon  the  heads  and  hearts 
of  its  faithful  professors,  shall  still  prove  their  divine  origin  by 
the  fruits  they  invariably  produce  ;  and  the  temporary  exalta- 
lion  of  impostors  and  false  pretenders  shall,  in  the  end,  con- 
tribute to  the  lasting  triumph  of  truth. 

"  Moreover,  that  very  religion,  \yhich  this  wretched  woman 
possessed  not,  will  direct  the  hearts  of  those  who  are,  hap- 
pily, partakers  of  its  influence,  to  one  contemplation  more. 
They  will  view  her  as  an  object  for  pity  and  prayer.  While 
the  world  has  overwhelmed  her  name  with  disgrace,  and  just 
indignation  has  been  excited  against  her  offences — while  a 
providential  discovery  has  arrested  her  iniquity  in  its  prosper- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^D. 


169 


ous  career,  and  she  is  now  reduced  to  ignominy  and  shame, 
the  Christian  will  pray  for  her  repentance.  His  abhorrence 
of  the  sin,  will  not  diminish  his  pity  for  the  deplorable  case 
of  the  sinner.  Meditation  upon  his  own  liability  to  offend, 
as  well  as  a  review  of  the  many  sad  proofs  of  human  depravity 
which  he  daily  sees  around  him,  will  forcibly  lead  his  affec- 
tions, amidst  the  occurrences  of  time,  to  contemplate  an  ap- 
proaching eternity.  There,  through  the  medium  of  the  Scrip- 
ture revelation,  he  will  trace  the  record  of  divine  mercy  ;  and 
will  feel  it  to  be  his  privilege  and  delight  to  plead,  in  a  Sa- 
viour's name,  for  the  pardon  of  this  presumptuous  offender. 
And  while  thus  occupied,  his  hope  and  his  prayer  will  be, 
that  '  where  sin  hath  abounded,  grace  may  much  more 
abound. 

We  have  already  incidentally  alluded  to  Mr.  Richmond's 
tracts,  and  now  resume  the  subject. 

During  his  residence  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  some  inteaest- 
ing  events  occurred,  connected  with  his  ministry,  which  he 
first  made  known  to  the  public  through  the  m.edium  of  the 
'  Christian  Guardian.'*  These  communications  having  ex- 
cited much  attention,  he  was  afterward  induced  to  publish 
them  in  the  form  of  tracts,  of  which  the  first  that  made  its 
appearance  was  the  'Dairyman's  Daughter.'  'The  Negro 
Servant,'  and  '  the  YounojlCottager,  or  Little  Jane,'  succes- 
sively followed:  and  finally,  in  the  year  1814,  they  were 
united  into  one  volume,  under  the  title  of  '  Annals  of  the 
Poor,'f  with  the  following  appropriate  motto,  from  Gray  ; — 

Let  not  ambition  mock  their  useful  toil, 

Tlieir  homely  joys  anfl  destiny  obscure  ; 
Nor  graudeur  hear,  with  a  disdainful  smile, 

'  The  short  and  simple  annals  of  the  poor. 

His  '  Dairyman's  Daughter'  rapidly  acquired  an  unexam- 
pled  celebrity.  It  was  read  with  an  avidity  that  required 
many  successive  editions  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  the  pub- 
lic, and  soon  became  the  most  popular  tract  of  the  day.  The 
author,  from  the  generous  motive  of  ensuring  to  it  a  more 
extended  usefulness,  was  induced  to  present  it  to  the  Reli- 
ous  Tract  Society,  by  whom  it  was  immediately  translated 
'o  the  French  and  Italian  languages.    The  writer  of  this 

*  See  Christian  Guardian,  for  1809,  1810, 1811. 

t  In  tins  edition,  considerable  additions  were  made  in  'the  Dairyman's 
M^hter.' 
15* 


170 


MEMOIRS  OF  the: 


Memoir  well  remembers  a  circumstance  connected  with  this 
celebrated  tract,  which  he  will  here  mention.  He  was  taken 
by  Mr.  Richmond,  in  the  year  1811^  to  attend  a  committee 
meeting  of  the  Tract  Society,  when  one  of  the  members  rose 
up,  and  observed,  that  as  he  came  with  the  full  intention  oT 
submitting  to  them  the  motion  in  his  hand,  he  hoped  he  should 
not  violate  the  delicacy  of  its  author,  by  proposing,  that  the 
tract  of 'the  Dairyman'^s  Daughter,' the  merit  of  which  had 
been  so  generally  reco^5niscd,  should  be  translated  into  the 
German,  Swedish,  and  Danish  languages.  Another  member 
then  rose  and  said,  that  he  trtisted  he  should  be  excused  for 
adding  an  amendment  to  the  motion,  by  recommending  that 
the  above  tract  be  translated  into  all  the  Eui'opean  languages'j 
as  far  as  means  and  opportunities  might  occur  for  that  pur- 
pose. The  resolution  was  unanimously  carried  in  this  amend- 
ed form.  The  tract  has  since  been  translated  into  most 
of  the  Continental  languages.  It  has  also  obtained  a  wide 
circulation  in  America  ;  the  Old  an^d  the  New  World  have 
alike  stamped  it  with  the  seal  of  popular  approbation.  At 
home,  several  editions  of  20,000  copies  each  were  printed 
within  a  very  short  period,  and  the  copies  which  have  been* 
circulated  in  the  English  language  alone,  to  the  present  time, 
are  estimated  at  two  millions.  It  has  found  its  way  to  the 
palaces  of  kings,*  and  has  been  seen  in  the  hut  of  the  Jn- 
dian.f  Its  author  was  informed  #f  thirty  instances  in  which 
it  was  ackowledged  to  have  been  instrumental  to  the  con- 
version of  its  readers,  of  whom  one  was  a  female  convict  at 
Botany  Bay.  The  last  instance  of  its  usefulness  was  com- 
municated to  him  within  only  twenty-four  hours  of  his  dc 
cease  ;  and  from  its  peculiarity  deserves  to  be  mentioned. 

A  clergyman,  who  had  conceived  a  violent  antipath 
against  the  Religious  Tract  Society  and  all  its  publications 
was  induced  to  select  the  'Dairyman's  Daughter,'. for  th 
purpose  of  criticising  and  exposing  its  defects.  In  the  pe 
rusal  of  it,  however,  he  was  so  arrested  by  the  interest  of  the 
story,  and  so  penetrated  by  the  power  of  the  religious  truth 
which  it  contained,  that  the  pen  of  criticism  dropped  from  hi 
hand,  prejudice  was  charmed  into  admiration,  and  he  wa 
added,  as  another  trophy  of  that  grace  which  had  shone  s(k 
brightly  in  the  life  and  death  of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter. 

*A  copy  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Patterson  to  the  late  Emperor  ot 
Russia,  the  circumstances  of  which  we  shall  soon  mention, 
t  A  copy  was  seen  by  a  traveller  in  the  hut  of  a  North  American  Indian. 


EEV,  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


171 


After  what  we  have  stated,  we  may  justly  inquire,  to  what 
are  we  to  attribute  the  great  popularity  of  this  tract  ? 

No  doubt  the  happy  union  of  interest  and  simplicity  in  the 
story,  the  graces  of  its  style,  and  the  beautiful  imagery  of  its 
descriptions,  have  rendered  it  attractive  to  every  reader  ;  but 
the  stamp  of  nature  and  reality  which  marks  its  details,  the 
expression  of  feelings  which  find  a  response  in  every  awaken- 
ed mind,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  whole  narrative  is 
made  the  vehicle  of  conveying  the  most  important  truths, 
constitute  its  principal  claim  to  admiration.  It  is  needless, 
however,  to  prove  the  excellence  of  a  tract,  of  which  four 
millions  of  copies  are  said  to  have  been  circulated  in  the  nine- 
teen  languages  into  which  it  has  been  translated  ;  or  to  adduce 
the  testimonies  to  its  usefulness,  which  have  been  already 
printed  in  almost  every  report  of  the  Tract  Society,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  numerous  instances  privately  received  by  Mr. 
Richmond,  and  which  are  frequently  alluded  to  in  his 
letters. 

A  few  extracts  from  the  '  Annals  of  the  Poor,'  will  illus- 
trate the  spirit  and  style  of  the  author. 

We  begin  with  his  reflections  as  he  contemplates  his  church 
of  Yaverland,  by  which  he  was  accustomed  to  pass,  in  his 
way  to  the  Dairyman's  Daughter. 

"  Here  the  rich  and  poor  meet  together  in  mutual  acknow- 
ledgment that  the  Lord  is  the  Maker  of  them  all  ;  and  that 
all  are  alike  dependent  creatures,  looking  up  to  one  com- 
mon  Father  to  supply  their  wants,  both  temporal  and  spi- 
ritual. 

"  Again,  likewise,  will  they  meet  together  in  the  grave, 
that  undistinguishing  receptacle  of  the  opulent  and  the  needy. 

"  And  once  more,  at  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ  shall  the 
rich  and  poor  meet  together,  that  '  every  one  may  receive  the 
things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath  done,  whe- 
ther it  be  good  or  bad.' 

How  closely  connected  in  the  history  of  man  are  these 
three  periods  of  a  general  meeting  together  ! 

"  The  house  of  prayer, — the  house  appointed  for  all  living, 
— and  the  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
May  we  never  separate  these  ideas  from  each  other  ;  but 
retain  them  in  a  sacred  and  profitable  union  !  So  shall  our 
worshipping  assemblies  on  earth  be  representative  of  the 


172 


MEMOIBS  OF  THE 


general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  which  are  writ- 
ten  in  heaven."* 

We  insert  another  reflection. 

"  Travellers,  as  they  pass  through  the  country,  usually 
stop  to  inquire  whose  are  the  splendid  mansions,  which  they 
discover  among  the  woods  and  plains  around  them.  The  fa- 
milies, title,  fortune,  or  character  of  the  respective  owners, 
engage  much  attention.  Perhaps  their  houses  are  exhibited 
to  the  admiring  stranger.  The  elegant  rooms, — costly  fur- 
niture,— valuable  paintings, — beautiful  gardens  and  shrub- 
berries,  are  universally  approved ;  while  the  rank,  fashion, 
taste,  and  riches  of  the  possessor  afford  ample  materials  for 
entertaining  discussion.  In  the  mean  time,  the  lowly  cottage 
of  the  poor  husbandman  is  passed  by,  as  scarcely  deserving 
of  notice.  Yet  perchance  such  a  cottage  may  often  contain 
a  treasure  of  infinitely  more  value  than  the  sumptuous  palace 
of  the  rich  man  ; — even  'the  pearl  of  great  price.'  If  this  be  |j 
set  in  the  heart  of  the  poor  cottager,  it  proves  a  gem  of  un- 
speakable worth,  and  will  shine  among  the  brightest  orna- 
ments of  the  Redeemer's  crown,  in  that  day  when  he  makes 
up  his  'jewels.' 

"  Hence  the  Christian  traveller,  while,  in  common  with 
others,  he  bestows  his  due  share  of  applause  on  the  decora- 
tions of  the  rich,  and  is  not  insensible  to  the  beauties  and 
magnificence  which  are  the  lawfully-allowed  appendages  of 
rank  and  fortune,  cannot  overlook  the  humble  dwelling  of 
the  poor.  And  if  he  should  find  true  piety  and  grace  beneath 
the' thatched  roof,  which  he  has  in  vain,  perhaps,  looked  for 
amidst  the  worldly  grandeur  of  the  rich,  he  remembers  the 
declarations  in  the  word  of  God.  He  sees  with  admiration, 
that  '  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose 
name  is  Holy,  who  dwelleth  in  the  high  and  holy  place, 
dwelleth  with  liim  also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spi- 
rit." (Isa.  Ivii,  15.)  And  although  heaven  is  His  throne, 
and  the  earth  his  footstool,  yet  when  a  habitation  is  to  be 
sought,  and  a  place  of  rest  selected  for  himself,  he  says,  '  To 
this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of  a  contrite 
spirit,  and  tremhleth  at  my  word.'' 

"  When  a  house  is  thus  tenanted,  faith  beholds  this  inscrip- 
tion  written  on  the  walls — '  The  Lord  lives  hereJ'  "f 


*  Dairyman's  Daughter,  pp.  70,  71. 
t  Dairyman's  Daughter,  pp.  97—  99. 


EEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


173 


The  death  of  the  Dairyman's  daughter  : — 

"  I  sat  down  by  the  bedside.  The  mother  could  not  weep, 
but  now  and  then  sighed  deeply,  as  she  alternately  looked  at 
Elizabeth  and  me.  The  big  tear  rolled  down  the  brother's 
cheek,  and  testified  an  affectionate  regard.  The  good  old 
man  stood  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  leaning  upon  the  post,  and 
unable  to  take  his  eyes  off  the  child  from  whom  he  was  so 
soon  to  part. 

"  Elizabeth's  eyes  were  closed,  and  as  yet  she  perceived 
me  not.  But  over  the  face,  though  pale,  sunk,  and  .hollow, 
the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  had  cast 
a  triumphant  calm. 

"  The  soldier,  after  a  short  pause,  silently  reached  out  his 
Bible  towards  me,  pointing  with  his  finger  at  1  Cor.  xv,  55, 
56,  58.  I  then  broke  silence  by  reading  the  passage,  '  O 
death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 
The  sting  of  death  is  sin,  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law. 
But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through 
jour  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 

I  At  the  sound  of  these  words  her  eyes  opened,  and  some- 
thing like  a  ray  of  divine  light  beamed  on  her  countenance, 
jas  she  said,  '  Victory,  victory !  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
.^Christ !' 

'  "  She  relapsed  again,  taking  no  further  notice  of  any  one 
present. 

"  '  God  be  praised  for  the  triumph  of  faith,'  said  L 
"  '  Amen  !"  replied  the  soldier. 

"  The  Dairyman's  uplifted  eye,  showed  that  the  amen  was 
ijin  his  heart,  though  his  tongue  failed  to  utter  it» 
"  She  recovers  for  a  short  interval. 

"  At  length  I  said  to  Elizabeth — '  Do  you  experience  any 
iloubts  or  temptations  on  the  subject  of  your  eternal  safety!' 
!  "  '  No,  Sir  ;  the  Lord  deals  very  gently  with  me,  and  gives 
ne  peace.' 

"  *  What  are  your  views  of  the  dark  valley  of  death,  now 
hat  you  are  passing  through  it  V 
"  '  It  is  not  dark.' 
'• '  Why  so  ?' 

"  '  My  Lord  is  tJiere,  and  he  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  V 
"  She  did  not  again  revive  while  I  remained,  nor  ever  speak 
iny  more  words  which  could  be  understood.   She  slumbered 
or  about  ten  hours,  and  at  last  sweetly  fell  asleep  in  the 
inns  of  that  Lord  who  had  dealt  so  gently  with  her. 


174 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


"  I  left  the  house  an  hour  after  she  had  ceased  to  speak.  I 
pressed  her  hand,  as  I  was  taking  leave,  and  said,  *  Christ  is 
the  resurrection  and  the  life.'  She  gently  returned  the  pres. 
sure,  but  could  neither  open  her  eyes,  nor  utter  a  reply. 

*'  I  never  had  w^itnessed  a  scene  so  impressive  as  this  be- 
fore. It  completely  filled  my  imagination  as  I  returned  home. 

*' '  Farewell,'  thought  I,  'dear  friend,  till  the  morning  of  an 
eternal  day  shall  renew  our  personal  intercourse.  Thou  wast 
a  brand  plucked  ^■:'om  the  burning,  that  thou  mightest  become 
a  star,,  shining  in  the  firmament  of  glory.  I  have  seen  thy 
light  and  thy  good  works,  and  will  therefore  glorify  our  Fa- 
ther which  is  in  heaven.  I  have  seen,  in  thy  example,  what 
.it  is  to  be  a  sinner  freely  saved  by  grace.  1  have  learned  from 
thee,  as  in  a  living  mirror,  who  it  is  that  begins,  continues, 
and  ends  the  work  of  faith  and  love.  Jesus  is  all  in  all :  he 
will  and  shall  be  glorified.  He  won  the  crown,  and  alone^;' 
deserves  to  wear  it.  JVTay  no  one  attempt  to  rob  him  of  his 
glory  !  He  saves,  and  saves  to  the  uttermost.  Farewell, 
dear  sister  in  the  Lord  !  Thy  flesh  and  thy  heart  may  fail, 
but  God  is  the  strength  of  thy  heart,  and  shall  be  thy  portion 
for  ever  !' 

The  following  description  is  taken  from  the  '  Young  Cotta- 
ger, or  Little  Jane  ;'  and  pleasingly  illustrates  his  method  of 
imparting  instruction  to  children. 

"  On  the  summer  evenings,  I  frequently  used  to  assemble 
this  little  group  out  of  doors,  in  my  garden,  sitting  under  the 
shade  of  some  trees,  which  protected  us  from  the  heat  of  the 
sun.  From  hence  a  scene  appeared  which  rendered  my  oc- 
cupation the  more  interesting.  For,  adjoining  to  the  spot 
where  we  sat,  and  only  separated  from  us  by  a  fence,  was 
the  churchyard,  surrounded  with  beautiful  prospects  in  every 
direction. 

*'  I  had  not  far  to  look  for  subjects  of  warning  and  exhorta- 
tions,  suitable  to  the  little  flock  of  lambs  that  I  was  feeding. 
I  could  point  to  the  heaving  sods,  that  marked  the  different 
graves  and  separated  them  from  each  other,  and  tell  my 
pupils,  that,  young  as  they  were,  none  of  them  were  too 
young  to  die  ;  and  that  probably  more  than  half  of  the  bodies 
that  were  buried  there,  were  those  of  little  children.  I  hence 
took  occasion  to  speak  of  the  nature  and  value  of  a  soul ;  and 
to  ask  them,  where  the  expected  their  souls  to  go,  when  they 
departed  hence,  and  were  no  more  seen  on  earth  ? 

*  Dairyman's  Daughter,  p.  125,  and  following  pages. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOXD. 


175 


**  I  told  them  who  was  *  the  resurrection  and  the  life,'  and 
who  alone  could  take  away  the  sting  of  death.  I  used  to 
remind  them  that  the  hour  was  '  coming,  in  which  all  that 
are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come  forth  : 
they  that  have  dono  good  unto  the  resurrection  of  life  ;  and 
they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation.' 

"  Sometimes  I  sent  the  children  to  the  various  stones  which 
stood  at  the  head  of  the  graves,  and  bid  them  learn  the 
epitaphs  inscribed  upon  them.  I  took  pleasure  in  seeing  the 
little  ones  thus  dispersed  in  the  churchyard,  each  committing 
to  memory  a  few  verses,  written  in  commemoration  of  the 
departed.  They  would  soon  accomplish  the  desired  object, 
and  eagerly  return  to  me,  ambitious  to  repeat  their  tasks. 

*'  Thu^  my  churchyard  became  a  kind  of  book  of  instruc- 
tion, and  every  gravestone  a  leaf  of  edification  for  my  young 
disciples. 

"  The  church  itself  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  ground.  It 
was  a  spacious  antique  structure.  Within  those  very  walls, 
I  first  proclaimed  the  message  of  God  to  sinners.  As  these 
children  surrounded  me,  I  sometimes  pointed  to  the  church  ; 
spoke  to  them  of  the  nature  of  public  worship, — the  value  of 
the  sabbath,  the  duty  of  regcilar  attendance  on  its  services  : 
and  urged  their  serious  attention  to  the  means  of  grace.  I 
showed  them  the  sad  state  of  many  countries,  where  neither 
churches  nor  Bibles  were  known  ;  and  the  no  less  melancholy 
condition  of  multitudes  at  home,  who  sinfully  neglect  worship, 
and  slight  the  word  of  God.  I  thus  tried  to  make  them  sen- 
sible of  their  own  favors  and  privileges. 

The  following  passage  contains  a  vivid  description  of  the 
scenery  with  which  he  was  surrounded. 

"  In  the  widely  sweeping  curve  of  a  beautiful  bay,  there  is 
a  kind  of  chasm  or  opening  in  one  of  the  lofty  cliffs  that 
bound  it.  The  steep  descending  sides  are  covered  with  trees, 
bushes,  wild  flowers,  fern,  wormvrood,  and  many  other  herbs; 
here  and  there  contrasted  with  bold  masses  of  rock,  or  brown 
earth. 

"  In  the  highest  part  of  one  of  these  declivities  two  or 
three  picturesque  cottages  are  fixed,  and  seem  half  suspend- 
ed in  the  air. 

"  From  the  upper  extremity  of  this  great  fissure  or  opening 
in  the  cliff*,  a  small  stream  of  water  enters  by  a  cascade, 
flows  through  the  bottom,  winding  in  a  varied  course  of  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  length ;  and  then  runs  into  the  sea, 


176 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


across  a  smooth  expanse  of  firm  hard  sand,  at  the  lower  ex- 
tremity of  the  chasm, 

"  The  open  sea,  in  full  magnificence,  occupied  the  centre 
of  the  prospect ;  bounded  indeed,  in  one  smail  part,  by  a  verv 
distant  shore,  on  the  rising  ascent  from  which  the  rays  of  the 
sun  rendered  visible  a  cathedral  church,*  with  its  towering 
spire  at  near  thirty  miles  distant.  Every  where  else,  the 
sea  beyond  was  limited  only  by  the  sky. 

"  At  my  feet  the  little  rivulet,  gently  rippling  over  pebbles, 
soon  mingled  with  the  sand,  and  was  lost  in  the  waters  of  the 
mighty  ocean.  The  murmuring  of  the  waves,  as  the  tide 
ebbed  or  flowed  on  the  sand  ;  their  dashing  against  some 
distant  rocks,  which  were  covered  fantastically  with  sea-weed 
aad  shells ;  sea-birds  floating  in  the  air  aloft,  or  occasionally 
screaming  from  their  holes  in  the  clifls ;  the  hum  of  human 
voices  in  the  ships  and  boats,  borne  along  the  water  ;  all  these 
sounds  served  to  promote,  rather  than  interrupt  meditation. 
They  were  soothingly  blended  together,  and  entered  the  ear 
in  a  kind  of  natural  harmony. 

"  In  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  a  scene  like  this,  the  lover 
of  nature's  beauties  will  easil}^  find  scope  for  spiritual  illustra- 
tion."* 

The  following  are  his  reflections  upon  this  scene  : — 
"  The  waves  of  the  sea  ebb  and  flow  in  exact  obedience  to 
the  laws  of  their  Creator  : — thus  far  they  come,  and  no  far- 
ther ; — the}^  retire  again  to  their  accustomed  bounds  ;  and 
so  maintain  a  regulated  succession  of  effects. 

"  But,  alas  !  the  waves  of  passion  and  affection  in  the  hu- 
man  breast,  manifest  more  of  the  wild  confusion  of  a  storm, 
than  the  orderly  regularity  of  a  tide  ; — grace  can  alone  sub- 
due them. 

"  What  peaceful  harmony  subsist  throughout  all  this  lovely 
landscape  !  These  majestic  cliffs,  some  clothed  with  trees 
and  shrubs ;  others  bare  and  unadorned  with  herbage,  yet 
variegated  with  many-colored  earths  ;  these  are  not  only  sub- 
lime and  delightful  to  behold,  but  they  are  answering  the  end 
of  their  creation,  and  serve  as  a  barrier  to  stop  the  progress 
of  the  waves. 

"  But  how  little  peace  and  harmony  can  I  comparatively  see 
in  my  own  heart !  The  landscape  witJiia  is  marred  by  dreary 
barren  wilds,  and  wants  that  engaging  character  which  the 
various  parts  of  this  prospect  before  me  so  happily  preserve. 

*  Cliichester  Cathedral, 
t '  Annals  of  the  Poor— the  Voung  Cottager,'  p.  57—60. 


REV,   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


177 


Sin,  sin  is  the  bane  of  morality,  and  heaps  confusion  upon 
confusion  wherever  it  prevails. 

"  Yet,  saith  the  voice  of  promise,  '  Sin  shall  not  have 
dominion  over  you.'  O  !  then,  may  I  yield  myself  unto  God, 
as  one  that  am  alive  from  the  dead,  and  my  members  as  in- 
struments of  righteousness  unto  God.  And  thus  may  I  be- 
come an  able  and  willing  minister  of  the  New  Testament ! 

"  I  wish  I  were  like  this  little  stream  of  water  :  it  takes  its 
first  rise  scarcely  a  mile  off ;  yet  it  has  done  good  even  in  that 
short  course.  It  has  passed  by  several  cottages  in  its  way, 
and  atforded  life  and  health  to  the  inhabitants  ;  it  has  water- 
ed their  little  gardens  as  it  flows,  and  enriched  the  meadows 
near  its  banks.  It  has  satisfied  the  thirst  of  the  flocks  that 
are  feeding  aloft  on  the  hills,  and,  perhaps,  refreshed  the 
shepherd's  boy  who  sits  v,  atching  his  master's  sheep  hard  by. 
It  then  quietly  finishes  its  current  in  this  secluded  dell,  and, 
agreeably  to  the  design  of  its  Creator,  quickly  vanishes  in 
the  ocean* 

"  May  my  course  be  like  unto  thine,  thou  little  rivulet ! 
Though  short  be  my  span  of  life,  yet  may  I  be  useful  to  my 
fellow-sinners,  as  I  travel  onwards.  Let  me  be  a  dispenser 
of  spiritual  support  and  health  to  many  !  Like  this  stream, 
may  L  prove  the  poor  man's  friend  by  the  way,  and  water  the 
souls  that  thirst  for  the  river  of  life,  whenever  I  meet  them  ! 
And  if  it  please  thee,  O  my  God  !  let  me  in  my  latter  end  be 
like  this  brook.  It  calmly,  though  not  quite  silently,  flows 
through  this  scene  of  peace  and  loveliness,  just  before  it  en- 
ters the  sea.  Let  me  thus  gently  close  my  days  likewise  ;  and 
may  I  not  unusefully  tell  to  others  of  the  goodness  and  mer- 
cy of  my  Saviour,  till  I  arrive  at  the  vast  ocean  of  eternity."* 

These  descriptions  exhibit  Mr.  Richmond's  delicate  and 
vivid  perception  of  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  the  profitable 
use  he  made  of  them.  The  concluding  passages  involunta- 
riiy  leads  the  mind  to  the  closing  scene  of  his  own  life.  For 
his  race  is  now  run  ;  the  little  rivulet  has  ceased  to  flow,  and 
IS  absorbed  in  the  vast  ocean  of  eternity  ;  while  the  pious 
M  ish  expressed  in  the  image  has  been  realized.  The  rivulet 
has  left  the  traces  of  its  fertility,  and  evidenced  the  benefi- 
cence of  its  course  ;  and  we  may  apply  to  him  the  word  with 
which  he  takes  his  leave  of  his  endeared  Dairyman's  Daugh- 
ter, "  thy  flesh  and  thy  heart  failetlr,  but  God  is  the  strength 
of  thy  heart,  and  thy  portion  for  ever." 

*  '  Annals  of  the  Poor— Tlie  Young  Cottager,'  p.  63,  65. 
16 


178 


MEMCmS   OF  THE 


We  subjoin  one  more  extract,  from  '  The  Negro  Servant.' 

"I  dismounted  from  my  horse,  and  tied  it  to  a  bush.  The 
breaking  of  the  waves  against  the  foot  of  the  cliff  at  so  great 
a  distance  beneath  me,  produced  an  incessant  and  pleasing 
murmur.  The  sea-gull«  were  flying  between  the  top  of  the 
cliff  where  I  stood,  and  the  rocks  belov/,  attending  upon  their 
nests  built  in  the  holes  of  the  clifl'.  The  whole  scene,  in  every 
direction,  was  grand  and  impressive  ;  it  was  suitable  to  de- 
votion.  The  Creator  appeared  in  the  works  of  his  creation, 
and  called  upon  the  creature  to  honor  and  adore.  To  the 
believer  this  exercise  is  doubly  delightful.  He  possesses  a' 
right  to  the  enjoyments  of  nature  and  providence,  as  well  as 
to  the  privileges  of  grace.  His  title-deed  runs  thus  :  '  All 
things  are  yours,  whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or 
the  world,  or  life,  or  dedth,  or  things  present,  or  things  to 
come,  all  are  yours,  and  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's.' 

"  I  cast  my  eye  downwards,  a  little  to  the  left,  towards  a 
small  ca\^e,  the  shore  of  which  consists  of  fine  hard  sand.  It 
is  surrounded  by  fragments  of  rock,  chalk  cliffs,  and  steep 
banks  of  broken  earth.  Shut  out  from  human  intercourse 
and  dwellings,  it  seems  formed  for  retirement  and  contem- 
plation. On  one  of  these  rocks  I  unexpectedly  observed  a 
man  sitting  with  a  book,  which  he  was  reading.  The  place 
was  near  two  hundred  yards  perpendicular  below  me*;  but  I 
soon  discovered  by  his  dress,  and  by  the  black  color  of  his  fea- 
tures, contrasted  with  the  white  rocks  beside  him,  that  it  was 
no  other  than  my  Negro  disciple,  with,  as  I  doubted  not,  a  Bi- 
ble in  his  hand.  I  rejoiced  for  this  unlooked-for  opportunity  of 
meeting  him  in  so  solitary  and  interesting  a  situation.  He 
was  intent  on  his  book,  and  did  not  perceive  me  till  I  appoach- 
ed  very  near  to  him.  '  William,  is  that  you  V  'Ah,  massa  ! 
me  very  glad  to  see  you.  How  came  massa  into  dis  place  ? 
me  tought  nobody  here,  but  only  God  and  me.'  " 

After  a  long  and  interesting  conversation  with  the  negro, 
Mr.  Richmond  thus  concludes  : 

"  'My  friend,'  said  I,  '.  T  will  now  pray  with  you  for  your 
own  soul,  and  for  those  of  your  parents  also.'  This  was  a 
new  and  solemn  house  of  prayer.  The  sea-sand  was  our 
floor  :  the  heavens  were  our  roof;  Ihe  cliffs,  the  rocks,  the 
hills,  and  the  waves,  formed  the  walls  of  our  chamber.  It  was 
not,  indeed,  a  place  where  prayer  was  wont  to  be  made,  but 
for  this  once  it  became  a  hallowed  spot.  It  will  by  me  ever  , 
be  remembered  as  such.  The  presence  of  God  was  there.  I  J 
prayed, — the  negro  wept, — his  heart  was  full, — I  felt  for  him,  I 


REV.  LEGH  RICH3I0>'D. 


179 


and  could  not  but  weep  likewise.  The  last  day  will  show 
whether  our  tears  were  not  the  tears  of  sincerity  and  love. 
It  was  time  for  my  return.  I  leaned  upon  his  arm  as  we  as- 
cended the  steep  cliff  in  my  way  back  to  my  horse,  which  I 
had  left  at  the  top  of  the  hill.  Humility  and  thankfulness  were 
mai-ked  in  his  countenance  ;  I  leaned  on  his  arm  with  the  feel- 
ings of  a  brother.  It  v/as  a  relationship  I  was  happy  to  own. 
I  took  him  by  the  hand  at  parting, — appointed  one  more  in- 
terview previous  to  day  of  baptizing  him,  and  bid  him  fare- 
well for  the  present.    '  God  bless  you,  my  dear  massa 

*  and  you,  my  dear  Christian  brother,  for  ever  and  ever.' 

Some  of  Mr.  Richmond's  reflections,  in  tlie  passages  before 
us,  will  remind  the  reader  of  those  beautiful  lines  of  Cow- 
per,  in  which  he  enumerates  the  enjoyment  of  natural  scene- 
ry as  among  the  covenanted  privileges  of  the  believer. 

"lie  looks  abroad  into  the  varied  field 

•  .  Of  nature;  and  though  poor,  perhaj)?,  compared 

Wnh  those  whose  mansions  glitter  in  his  sight, 
Calls  the  deiiglitful  scenery  all  his  own. 
His  are  the  nicHintains,  and  the  valleys  his, 
And  the  resplendent  rivers  ;  his  to  enjoy 
With  a  propriety  that  none  can  feel, 
•        But  who,  with  filial  confidence  inspired, 
•  Can  lift  to  heaven  an  iinpresumptiioiis  eye, 

And  smiling  say,  '  my  Fatiier  made  llieni  all !' "t 

A  suspicion  has  been  expressed  by  some,  as  to  the  entire 
genuineness  of  the  tract  of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter,  arising 
from  an  idea  that  the  language  and  sentiments  of  her  letters 
were  far  beyond  the  capacity  of  persons  in  that  situation  of 
life.  The  writer  of  this  memoir  once  entertained  the  same 
doubt  ;  and  as  it  tended  greatly  to  diminish  the  interest  and 
profit  which  he  would  otherwise. have  found  in  the  perusal  of 
the  tract,  he  ventured  to  express  his  feelings  to  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, who,  in  consequence,  produced  some  of  her  letters, 
which  were  carefully  examined  ;  and  the  result  was,  that-  no 
alteration  was  found  to  have  been  made,  except  the  correc- 
tion of  the  spelling,  and  the  occasional  change  of  a  single 
wcrJ,  for  one  which  better  expressed  her  meaning. 

In  further  confirmation  of  the  genuine  character  of  these 
interesting  narratives,  we  lay  before  the  reader  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  by  a  highly  respectable  gentle- 

'^See  '  Annals  of  the  Poor— Negro  Servant,'  p.  3G. 
t  Cowper's  Task,  b.  5. 


180 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


man,  who  was  connected  for  many  years  with  Mr.  Richmond 
as  a  friend  and  parishioner. 

*  Turvey  Abbey,  Feb.  ^21,  1828. 

.  My  dear  Sir,  The  conversation  we  had  to^-ether  the  other 
day,  respecting  the  interesting  tract  called  '  The  Dairym^in's 
Daughter,'  induced  me  to  request  a  sight  of  the  original  let- 
ters. 

"  I  own  that  I  could  not  dismiss  from  my  mind,  when  I 
formerly  read  the  tract,  the  idea  that  our  friend  had  improved 
the  young  woman's  letters  according  to  his  own  amiable  and 
pious  feelings  ;  and  it  was  not  without  pleasure  and  surprise  I 
found,  on  the  perusal  of  the  originals,  that  they  were  in  every 
respect  as  he  had  given  them  ;  with  the  exception  of  the  bad 
spelling,  and  the  unnecessary  use  of  capital  letters,  which 
he  had  corrected,  and  a  word  which  was  here  and  there  added 
or  admitted,  to  make  the  young  woman's  meaning  more  plain 
and  intelligible.  This  latter  alteration,  however,  was  of  rare 
occurrence,  and  such  as  was  not  only  allov/able,  but  necessary. 

"  I  think  it  would  be  advisable  to  advert  to  this  circum- 
stance in  Mr.  Richmond's  Memoir,  as  it  is  possible  that 
others  may  labor  under  the  same  mistake  with  myself.  I 
am,  my  dear  sir,  yours,  very  sincerely,    John  Higgins.'J 

As  to  the  facts  of  the  story,  the  writer  is  able  to  offer  a 
very  satisfactory  proof  of  their  correctness.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Hughes,  one  of  the  estimable  secretaries  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  company  with  another  friend,  visit- 
ed the  spot  where  this  interesting  young  woman  formerly 
resided  ;  and  interrogated  the  brother  (who  had  read  the 
tract,)  whether  the  circumstances  of  the  story  were  precisely 
the  same  as  they  are  there  related  ?  To  this  he  replied,  there 
was  only  one  fact  tha^.  was  misrepresented.  Being  asketl,  with 
some  degree  of  anxiety,  what  that  fact  was,  he  observed,  that 
Mr.  Richmond  had  described  a  vine  trained  near  the  side  of 
the  window,  whereas  it  was  not  a  vine,  hut  an  apple-tree.  If 
historic  truth  had  never  been  more  seriously  violated  than  in 
this  instance,  the  credibility  of  facts  would  seldom  have  been 
impeached.  Seven  cities  would  not  have  contended  for  the 
honor  of  Homer's  birth.  The  Trojan  war  would  not  have 
been  the  subject  of  a  grave  literary  discussion  ;  nor  would 
the  supposed  antiquity  of  the  Chinese  empire  have  furnished 
the  infidel  wits  of  France  with  a  pretence  for  questioning  the 
authority  of  the  Mosaic  statement. 


REV.   LEGll  RICIIirOXD. 


181 


We  have  thought  it  important  to  adduce  these  testimonies 
to  the  character  of  Mr.  Richmond's  tracts,  being  aware  of  a 
disposition  in  the  minds  of  some  to  identify  them  with  a  class 
of  publications  which  profess  to  convey  religious  truth  under 
tlie  garb  of  fiction.  We  do'not  mean  to  discuss  the  propriety 
of  such  a  vehicle  of  instruction  ;  but  we  v/ish  to  distinguish 
these  publications  from  the  writings  of  our  friend,  who  sought 
his  materials,  not  in  the  regions  of  fancy,  but  in  the  less  ques- 
tionable sources  of  fact  and  reality.  We  consider  Mr.  Rich- 
mond to  have  been  excelled  by  no  writer  in  this  species  of 
composhion.  To  a  style  simple,  elegant,  and  full  of  pathos, 
he  united  a  spirit  of  Christian  love,  which  transfused  its  sweet- 
ness into  every  thought  and  expression  ;  and  his  imagination, 
rich  and  powerful,  being  purified  by  "  a  live  coal  from  the 
altar,"  was  consecrated  in  all  its  varied  exercises  to  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  true  interests  of  man.  While,  if  his,  fancy 
sparkled  with  all  the  beautiful  tints  of  the  rainbow,  it  was  only 
to  fix  the  gaze  of  the  admirer  on  the  heavenly  world. 

We  cannot  conclude  these  remarks  v/ithcut  adverting  to 
two  editions  of  the  '  Dairyman's  Daughter,'  published  in 
America  ;  the  one  by  the  Philadelphia  Sunday  and  Adult 
School  Union,  and  the  other  by  the  New  England  Tract  So- 
ciety at  Boston. 

On  comparing  these  editions  with  the  English  copies  of  the 
same  work,  we  were  surprised  to  find  numerous  instances  of 
omission  or  alteration.  The  American  editions  difier  from 
each  other,  as  well  as  from  the  English  tract.  Surely  an 
author  and  the  public  have  a  right  to  expect  from  an  editor  a 
faithful  adherence  to  the  original ;  or  at  least  that  he  should 
apprise  the  reader  of  alterations,  and  assign  a  reason  for  mak- 
ing them.  But  in  the  instance  before  us,  the  foreign  tracts, 
though  they  bear  the  name  of  Mr.  Richmond,  are  far  from 
being  his  own  work.  The  first  letter  of  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter,  which  contains  her  religious  principles,  is  v\-holly 
omitted  ;  the  interesting  fact  relating  to  the  burial  service  is 
suppressed  ;  no  less  than  nineteen  pages  of  the  narrative  are 
removed  ;  and  in  short,  there  are  so  many  omissions,  transpo- 
sitions, and  alterations,  that  the  reader  would  with  difficulty  re- 
cognise the  real  features  of  the  character  of  the  pious  daugh- 
ter of  the  Dairyman.  We  cannot  but  complain  of  this  gross 
mutilation  of  our  friend's  interesting  memoir,  as  an  imposition 
on  the  render,  and  an  injustice  lo  the  author's  reputation. 

Without  intending  to  impugn  the  integrity  of  our  American 
brethren,  or  to  assign  raotives  for  their  conduct,  we  must 
16=* 


182 


JIEMOIRS  OF  THE 


express  our  regret ;  considering,  as  we  do  such  interpoiations 
and  false  presentments  to  be  both  injurious  to  the  memory  of 
an  author,  a  misrepresentation  of  his  principles,  and  an  inter- 
ference with  his  design,  by  no  means  consistent  with  fair  and 
honorable  feeling  ;  and  we  cannot  but  hope  that  the  evil  com- 
plained of  will  be  corrected  in  subsequent  editions..  The 
justness  of  these  remarks  must  plead  our  excuse  (if  any  be 
needful,)  for  their  introduction  in  this  place.* 

"  A  very  useful  method,"  says  Archbihop  Seeker,  "  of 
spreading  the  knowledge  of  religion,  is  by  distributing,  or  pro- 
curing to  be  distributed,  such  pious  books,  especially  to  the 
poorer  sort,  as  are  best  suited  to  their  capacities  and  circum- 
stances. Much  good  may  be  done  in  this  way,  to  considerable 
numbers  at  once,  in  a  more  acceptable  manner,  for  a  trifling 
expense." 

With  similar  views  and  sentiments  to  those  expressed  by 

*  Since  writing  the  above,  we  iiave  seen  an  American  edition,  published 
Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1827,  which  we  are  happy  to  say,  is  in  every  respect 
conformable  to  the  original. 

Concerning  the  two  editions  of  which  the  biographer  complains,  we  know 
nothing.  We  have,  however,  been  led  carefully  to  compare  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter,  as  published  by  the  American  Tract  iiociety,  with  two  editions 
published  by  the  London  Religious  Tract  Society,  of  which  Mr.  Richmond 
was  a  Secretary; — and  we  are  happy  in  being  able  to  assure  the  public,  that 
there  is  no  cause  of  complaint  against  that  edition.  It  is,  indeed,  an  abridg- 
ment; but  so  careful  have  the  committee  been,  that  in  no  instance  is  there  ai> 
alteration  in  the  language  which  at  all  affects  either  the  style  or  sentiments  of 
the  author.  The  alterations  are  such  as  were  unavoidable  in  connecting 
paragraphs  and  preserving  the  unity  of  the  narrative.  The  omissions  are 
principally  descriptions  of  natural  scenery,  and  the  reflections  of  Mr,  R.  The 
narrative  is  entirely  preserved.  Tlie  fact  relative  to  the  burial  sei*vice,  ia 
inserted  in  page  7.  The  letter,  containing  the  religious  principles  of  the 
Dairyman's  Daughter  is  omitted,  as  the  same  sentiments  are  fully  set  forth  i» 
the  conversations  recorded  in  the  narrative.  To  have  published  the  whole, 
would  have  made  a  tract  of  50  or  60  pages — would  have  greatly  increased 
the  expense,  and  consequently,  greatly  limited  its  circulation.  Before  the 
publication  of  the  tract  in  its  present  form,  it  was  approved  by  a  committee  of 
five  clergymen,  of  different  denominations.  Of  this  committee,  the  Rev.  Dr.^ 
Milnor  represents  the  Episcopalian  interest. 

We  . have,  also,  compared  it  with  the  edition  of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter,, 
published  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Tract  Society  of  New- York  j  and,  we 
find  this  latter  tract  still  more  abridged  and  altered,  than  is  the  edition  of  the 
American  Tract  Society. 

It  is  proper  to  add,  that  the  two  editions  of  the  London  Society  differ  vety 
much  from  each  other,  both  as  to  language  and  matter.  If  Mr.  Grimshawe 
compared  the  American  editions  with  the  edition  published  by  the  London 
Society,  he  would  see  cause  of  complaint.  But  if,  on  the  other  hand,  be 
sliould  compare  them  with  the  London  edition,  of  1812,  from  w  hich  they  were 
republished,  he  would  rather  admire  the  candor  with  whi<;h  they  were  abridg- 
ed, and  the  very  strict  regard  which  was  paid  to  the  language  of  the  autiior.-— 
Amer,  Ed. 


HEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


183 


the  venerable  Archbishop,  a  number  of  pious  persons,  more 
than  twenty  years  ago,  formed  an  association,  which  they 
called  "The  Religious  Tract  Society."  Publications  like 
those  of  Mr.  Richmond,  could  not  fail  to  attract  the  notice  of 
such  an  institution  :  and  his  well-known  liberality,  together 
with  the  high  estimation  in  which  his  character  was  held, 
induced  the  committee  of  that  society  to  make  proposals  to 
him  of  becoming  one  of  their  secretaries.  At  that  time  the 
institution  had  no  church-representative,  though  the  commit- 
tee was  composed  of  persons  of  all  denominations.  The  secre- 
taries were  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hughes,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Steinkopff,  well  known  from  their  connexion  with  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  By  the  accession  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, it  was  justly  expected  that  the  society  would  derive  in- 
creased wisdom  in  its  counsels,  and  vigor  and  unity  in  its 
operations.  The  editor  well  remembers  the  circumstances  of 
this  application,  and  the  reasons  which  induced  Mr.  Richmond 
to  accept  the  office  of  joint  secretary.  It  was  a  proposition 
which  required  serious  deliberation.  On  the  one  hand,  Mr. 
Richmond  considered  that  a  strong  prejudice  was  known  to 
exist  against  the  society,  not  only  amongst  the  enemies  of 
true  piety,  but  also  among  some  of  its  friends.  It  was  sup- 
posed to  consist  almost  exclusively  of  Dissenters,  and  its  tracts 
were  regarded  with  jealousy  and  suspicion.  To  accept  this 
offer,  he  feared,  might  identify  him  with  dissent  (though  he 
was  ever  warmly  attached  to  the  doctrines  and  discipline  of 
his  own  church,)  and  might  endanger  his  usefulness  in  the 
legitimate  field  of  his  labors.  On  the  other  hand,  he  recog- 
nised in  the  institution  many  claims  to  his  regard.  Its  object 
was  the  same  which  lay  near  to  his  own  heart, — the  circula- 
tions of  tracts,  and  the  revival  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Refor- 
tion.  He  saw  in  the  connexion,  an  opportunity  of  extending 
his  usefulness  ;  and  certain  pledges  and  securities  seemed 
alone  to  be  wanting,  to  allow  of  the  Co-operation  of  a  con- 
scientious churchman.  He  thought  that,  under  the  sanction 
of  a  sufficient  guarantee  against  the  introduction  of  peculiari- 
ties, there  was  no  just  reason  for  his  refusal  of  the  office  pro- 
posed to  him ;  and  that  by  his  acceptance  of  the  secretaryship, 
he  might  even  promote  the  interests  of  his  own  church,  by 
preventing  the  circulation  of  tracts  hostile  to  her  opinions  ;  as 
well  as  advance  the  common  cause  of  true  religion.  The 
required  guarantee  was  given  :  Mr.  Richmond  yielded  to  the 
wishes  of  the  Society  ;  and  from  that  period  to  the  day  of  his 


184 


.MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


death,  he  had  no  reason  to  complain  that  the  engagement  was 
violated  in  a  single  instance. 

Mr.  Richmond's  decision  may  give  occasion  to  a  differ- 
ence  of  opinion.  By  some  he  may  be  censured; — by  most 
persons  his  conduct  will  be  approved  and  admired.  Those 
who  consider  a  union  with  Dissenters,  under  any  circum- 
stances, as  a  virtual  surrender  of  principle,  and  a  viola- 
tion of  ecclesiastical  discipline,  will  condemn  his  connexion 
with  the  Tract  Society  ;  but  we  have  never  been  convinced 
that  a  union,  on  common  ground,  with  any  part  of  the  family 
of  Christ,  is  an  act  of  treason  against  our  own  church.  The 
union  requires  not  a  surrender  of  principle,  but  of  prejudice  : 
it  requires  no  compromise  of  forms,  but  it  does  require  a 
just  estimation  of  the  essential  truths  of  salvation.  We  confess 
that  it  has  ever  appeared  to  us  a  strange  inconsistency,  that 
the  most  zealous  opponents  to  the  union  of  true  Christians, 
upon  common  principles,  should  themselves  have  united  with 
Lutherans,  and  employed  them  as  their  agents  to  plant  church- 
es, and  disseminate  religious  knowledge,  and  that  for  a  long 
period  of  time  ;  though,  in  discipline  wholly,  and  partly  in 
doctrine,  those  agents  differ  from  their  own  establishment. 
The  allusion  will  be  readily  understood.  We  do  not  mean  to 
recriminate  in  the  spirit  of  hostility  ;  but  we  must  be  allowed 
to  protest  against  the  unfairness  of  denouncing  their  brethren 
of  the  Church  of  England,  for  uniting  with  Dissenters  in  the 
propagation  of  our  common  Christianity,  where  both  disci- 
pline and  peculiarities  of  creed  are  excluded,  by  mutual  con- 
sent, and  collision  is  consequently  avoided. 

From  this  vindication  of  our  friend,  we  turn  to  the  impor- 
tant results  of  the  Tract  Society.  Every  part  of  the  globe 
has  been  the  scene  of  its  operations  ;  and  from  every  country 
the  most  pleasing  testimonies  of  approbation  and  usefulness 
have  been  received.  Bishops  and  archbishops,  emperors  and 
kings,  ministers  of  the  Reformed,  and  even  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  have  been  loud  in  its  praises.  We  regret 
that  the  limits  of  this  Memoir  will  not  allow  us  to  insert 
numerous  interesting  proofs  of  the  Divine  favor,  attendant  on 
the  publications  of  the  Society.  We  must  refer  the  reader, 
for  these,  to  the  summary  of  proceedings  for  the  last  twenty 
years,  published  in  one  volume,  by  the  Tract  Society :  and 
which  contains  a  most  satisfactory  vindication  of  the  charac- 
ter of  the  tracts,  and  of  the  design  of  the  institution. 

We  have  purposely  omitted  numerous  testimonies  to  the 
usefulness  of  Mr.  Richmond's  tracts,  received  from  almost 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^'D. 


185 


every  part  of  Great  Britain,  as  well  as  from  many  foreign 
countries  (so  numerous,  indeed,  that  they  would  fill  several 
chapters,)  lest  we  should  seem  to  depart  from  that  Christian 
modesty  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  their  author.  \Ve 
hope  the  candid  reader  will  pardon  what  the  warmth  of  our 
affection  has  dictated  ;  and  the  more  readily,  when  he  re- 
members that  all  that  we  have  said  of  the  man  magnifies  the 
grace  of  God  which  was  in  him,  and  wrought  effectually 
by  him. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

His  appointment  as  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Kent—Mrs.  Richmt)nd's  illness— New 
school-room— Report  of  his  son's  death— Embarrassment  arising  from  his  publi- 
cation of  "Th€  Fathers  of  the  English  Church' — Interview  with  the  Emperor  of 
Russia— Letters  to  and  from  his  Imperial  Majesty — Princess  Metstchersky — Letters 
to  Mrs.  Livius— Verses  written  on  the  marriage  of  a  friend's  daughter. 

i  Among  the  distinguished  characters  who  gave  the  sanction 
!  of  their  rank  and  influence  to  the  public  institutions  of  this 
country,  his  late  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Kent  is  pre- 
eminently entitled  to  our  grateful  remembrance.  Every  re- 
ligious and  benevolent  undertaking  found  in  him  a  powerful 
friend  and  patron.  He  was  the  avowed  advocate  of  the  Bri- 
tish and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  He  was  the  patron  also  of 
the  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the  Jews.  He 
usually  attended  and  took  the  chair,  at  the  anniversaries  of 
the  numerous  public  charities  which  confer  so  much  honor 
on  the  city  of  London ;  on  which  occasions  Mr.  Richmond 
often  met  his  Royal  Highness,  and  by  the  intervention  of  a 
common  friend,  became  one  of  his  chaplains. 

In  the  discharge  of  his  functions,  Mr.  Richmond  was  some- 
times required  to  officiate  at  Kensington  palace.  On  one  of 
these  occasions  the  Duke  and  Dutchess  and  their  retinue 
were  present.  His  Royal  Highness  heard  Mr.  Richmond's 
sermon  with  profound  attention  ;  and  when  the  service  was 
i  concluded,  he  was  pleased  to  express  his  approbation  of  the 
impressive,  scriptural,  and  faithful  truths  which  he  had  heard  ; 
adding,  that  he  fully  concurred  in  their  importance,  and  wish- 
ed to  feel  their  influence.  At  the  same  time  he  inquired  how 
he  had  attained  so  remarkable  a  fluency  in  the  expression  of 
his  ideas  ;  and  asked  whether  his  discourse  had  been  deliver- 
ed from  memory.  Mr.  Richmond  replied  in  the  negative  ; 
and  said,  that  he  usually  prepared  and  digested  the  leading 


186 


MEMOIRS    OF  THE 


heads  of  his  subject,  but  he  modestly  ascribed  his  ready  ut- 
terance to  the  effect  of  habit.  His  Royal  Highness  express- 
ed a  hope  that  he  would  preach  at  the  palace  whenever  he 
came  to  town  ;  and  added,  "  you  must  converse,  Sir,  with  the 
Dutchess  on  these  subjects,  for  she  understands  them  far  bet- 
ter than  I  do." 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  Mr.  Richmond  received 
a  polite  request  from  the  Duke  of  Kent,  that  he  would  favor 
him  with  the  perusal  of  the  notes'from  which  he  had  preached 
in  the  morning.  A  discussion  had  taken  place  at  the  palace, 
on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Richmond's  extempore  preaching  ;  and 
it  had  been  said  that  no  man  could  preach  so  accurately,  as 
well  as  fluently,  without  a  large  portion  of  his  sermon  being 
duly  transcribed. 

The  notes,  on  inspection,  were  found  to  occupy  a  very 
small  space  ;  and  we  mention  this  little  anecdote  as  another 
proof  of  that  talent  in  extempore  preaching  far  which  he  was 
so  remarkable. 

Mr.  Richmond  continued  to  be  honored  with  the  uniform 
marks  of  his  Royal  Highness's  esteem  and  regard.  And 
when  that  solemn  event  occurred,  which  was  mourned  by  the 
nation  at  large,  and  by  the  friends  of  religion  and  humanity 
in  particular,  Mr.  Richmond  was  one  of  those  who  followed 
his  ro.yal  patron  to  the  grave.  There,  as  well  as  in  various 
parts  of  the  kingdom,  where  his  public  exertions  called  him, 
he  heard  many  a  testimony  to  the  virtues,  the  zeal,  and  the 
benevolence  of  this  beloved  and  venerated  prince.  Charity 
in  him  lost  its  patron  ;  the  cause  of  God  its  firm  and  unshaken 
supporter  ;  and  illustrious  rank  its  ornament  and  example. 
Testimonies  like  these  are  instructive  to  the  living,  while  they 
are  honorable  to  the  dead.  They  prove  that  in  this  coun- 
try, whenever  exalted  station  is  adorned  with  corresponding 
virtues  and  consecrated  to  high  and  noble  ends,  it  never  fails 
to  obtain  the  best  of  all  kinds  of  homage,  the  homage  of  the 
heart. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Richmond  was  visited  with  a  domes- 
tic  event  which  threatened  the  most  distressing  consequen- 
ces. Mrs.  Richmond,  after  having  given  birth  to  another 
child,  and  being  apparently  recovered  from  the  effects  of  her 
confinement,  was  attacked  by  a  dangerous  illness';  occa- 
sioned,  as  was  supposed,  by  an  imprudent  exposure  to  the 
air.  The  symptoms  became  very  alarming,  a  high  fever  fol- 
lowed,  and  after  the  utmost  exertion  of  medical  skill,  and 


REV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


167 


the  most  unremitting  attention,  her  recovery  was  declared  to 
be  hopeless. 

The  suddenness  of  this  shock  to  the  feelings  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond,  who  had  long-  known  her  value,  both  as  a  wife  and  a 
mother,  and  the  tender  age  of  most  of  his  children,  gave  to 
this  dispensation  the  poignancy  of  the  severest  trial.  Never 
can  the  writer  forget  the  impressions  made  on  his  own  mind 
Kt  that  period.  In  the  expectation  of  her  immediate  dissolu- 
tion, she  had  taken  leave  of  all  the  members  of  her  family.  A 
very  few  of  their  more  intimate  friends  were  permitted  to  see 
her  on  this  occasion,  and  he  v/as  included  in  the  number.  On 
entering  the  room  with  another  endeared  friend,  to  pay  this 
mournful  visit,  he  was  surprised  to  see  an  expression  of  joy- 
ful feeling  on  the  countenance  of  the  wife,  and  a  calm  and 
delightful  serenity  depicted  on  that  of  the  husband.  He 
could  not  help  exclaiming — Is  this  the  chamber  of  death  ? 
Death  was  so  stripped  of  its  terrors,  and  religion  so  sur- 
rounded with  all  its  consolations,  that  the  place  looked  more 
like  the  portals  of  heaven,  than  the  gloomy  vestibule  of  the 
tomb.  The  triumph  of  faith  in  the  dying  wife  seemed  to 
support  the  otherwise  afflicted  husband,  and  to  impart  to  him 
a  corresponding  elevation  of  feeling.  He  forgot  for  the  mo- 
ment his  own  sorrows  in  her  joys  ;  his  own  loss  in  her 
gain  ;  and  did  not  wish  to  arrest  her  expected  flight  to  the 
world  of  happy  spirits,  or  indulge  his  grief  while  she  was 
rejoicing  in  the  mercies  of  redeeming  love. 

If  this  conduct  of  Mr.  Richmond  should  excite  surprise  in 
any  of  our  readers,  let  it  be  remembered  that  he  was  in  the 
habit  of  estimating  every  thing  by  its  reference  to  eternity  ; 
and  that  tenderly  as  he  was  attached  to  his  wife,  and  sensi- 
ble of  the  importance  of  her  life  to  himself  and  to  his  chil- 
dren, still  the  consciousness  of  her  assured  happiness  was 
evidently  the  absorbing  feeling  of  his  mind  at  that  time.  God 
also  gives  extraordinary  support  under  extraordinary  trials. 
"  A  martyr's  grace  in  a  martyr's  sufferings." 

"  There  is  a  time  for  all  things."  Nature  and  grace  have 
their  feelings,  and  there  is  a  season  for  the  lawful  expression 
of  both.  The  removal  of  the  wife  would  doubtless  have  filled 
with  the  greatest  sorrow  that  heart  jvhich  now  exulted  in  her 
triumphant  prospects.  The  hucbctnd  would  weep,  while  the 
Christian  would  rejoice  "  Vv  ith  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory." 

It  will  be  well,  while  we  contemplate  the  triumph  of  faith 
and  hope  in  others,  that  we  should  inquire  what  would  be 


188 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


our  own  feelings  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  under  the  pressure 
of  affliction.  Reader  !  does  death  present  the  appalling  image 
of  a  dread  eternity  to  your  mind,  or  does  faith  open  to  your 
view  the  prospect  of  a  glorious  immortality  !  Time  hurries 
on  its  rapid  course.  Sorrow,  or  joy, — the  cry  of  terror,  or  the 
song  of  victory,  must  sooner  or  later  be  the  portion  of  every 
child  of  Adam.  Be  yours  the  triumphant  song — "Thanks 
be  to  God  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ." 

The  affectionate  sympathy  of  Mr.  Richmond's  parishioners 
at  this  trying  season,  deserves  to  be  mentioned.  The  most 
fervent  prayers  had  been  offered  up  daily  for  the  recovery 
of  Mrs.  Richmond ;  and  those  prayers  were  heard.  Con- 
trary to  all  human  expectation,  the  symptoms  of  the  disor- 
der abated,  and  her  life  was  spared.  It  seemed  as  if  she  had 
entered  into  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, — explored 
all  its  secret  recesses, — penetrated  to  its  utmost  confines,  and 
seen  the  light  which  could  alone  dispel  all  its  darkness  ;  and 
then,— led  by  the  hand  of  Him  who  says,  "  I  kill,  and  I  make 
alive  :  I  wound,  and  I  heal ;"  she  once  more  returned  to  the 
days  of  her  pilgrimage,  and  survived  to  follow  to  the  grave 
the  husband,  who  thirteen  years  before  had  resigned  her  to 
the  mercy  of  his  God. 

The  following  letter  alludes  to  the  circumstances  above 
described : — 

<'  My  dearest  friend, — A  hasty  line  must  tell  you  that  my 
dear  wife  has  been  dangerously  ill.  On  Saturday,  her  end 
appeared  at  hand,  but  she  has  since  revived,  and  we  enter- 
tain  hope. 

"  I  never  witnessed  such  a  triumph  of  grace  :  it  has  shone 
more  bright  than  tenderest  hope  could  have  expected.  Jesus 
bore  her  through  the  most  painful  and  affecting  scene  more 
than  triumphantly.  Amongst  other  (as  it  then  appeared,) 
dying  requests,  she  desired  that  one  of  the  little  boys'  names 
(the  child  whose  birth  has  occasioned  so  much  danger)  should 
be  a  memorial  of  that  disinterested,  affectionate,  and  highly- 
valued  kindness  which  a  friend  indeed  once  showed  her  and 
hers  in  time  of  need :  that  name  will  be  Pallatt.  She 
breathed  a  most  grateful  message  to  you  at  the  same  time. 
Her  manner  of  taking  leave  of  me  and  our  eight  children 
around  her  bed,  was  more  striking  than  you  can  conceive,  or 
I  can  describe.  Pray  for  us,  and  give  a  line  to  your  grate- 
ful friend,  Legh  Richmond." 


EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


189 


Mr.  Richmond  ever  considered  the  education  of  the  young 
as  forming  one  very  important  part  of  his  ministerial  duties. 
His  heart  was  much  interested  in  this  work,  and  he  was  sin- 
gularly blessed  in  it.  He  diligently  fed  the  lambs  of  his 
flock ;  and,  as  we  have  already  stated,  the  first-fruits  of  his 
ministry  in  the  Isle  of  Wight  and  at  Turvey  were  found 
amongst  them. 

At  Turvey  he  had  been  accustomed  to  assemble  the  chil- 
dren  of  the  parish  in  a  room  taken  out  of  a  barn  adjoining 
the  rectory,  but  which  was  too  small  to  accommodate  the 
numbers  that  attended.  Hitherto  the  instruction  had  been 
confined  to  the  Sabbath-day.  Mr.  Richmond  felt  anxious  to 
afford  the  children  the  additional  advantage  of  week-day  les- 
sons  in  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic,  on  the  National  plan. 
With  this  view  he  determind  to  erect  a  schoolhouse  ;  a  piece 
of  ground  in  the  centre  of  the  village  was  given  for  the  pur- 
pose, by  John  Higgins,  Esq.,  and  the  object  was  ultimately 
accomplished  by  the  aid  of  the  National  Society,  and  the 
contributions  of  numerous  friends. 

We  here  insert  a  letter  on  this  subject,  written  by  Mr. 
Richmond  to  Thomas  Pellatt,  Esq. 

"  My  dear  Friend, — It  is  common  in  this  vicinity,  when 
any  person  is  subject  to  epileptic  fits,  that  they  go  about  from 
house  to  house,  begging  for  a  piece  of  silver  money  at  each. 
When  they  have  obtained  as  many  sixpences  and  shillings 
(the  more,  they  apprehend,  the  better)  they  get  them  all  melt- 
ed down  into  one  amalgamated  ring  :  this  charm  they  wear, 
and  they  fancy  it  cures  their  fits.  This  may  or  may  not  be 
wise;  but  I  have  also  my  sort  of  fit,  and  that  is,  building  and 
carrying  on  a  pastoral  school,  under  my  own  care  and  labor, 
for  all  the  poor  children  of  my  parish,  without  exception  :  and 
local  resources  being  inadequate,  I  beg  about  for  precious 
metal,  to  be  amalgamated  into  a  ring  of  personal  friendship 
and  general  benevolence,  for  the  support  of  my  school :  not 
that  I  expect  to  be  cured  myself  of  my  fit  of  anxiety  for  the 
poor's  sake,  but  that  I  do  hope  for  the  cure  of  much  sin  and 
ignorance  in  their  hearts,  lives,  and  houses,  through  God's 
blessing  on  this  union  of  charitable  aid. 

"  Having  said  thus  much,  do  you  feel  it  right  to  give  my 
poor  children  either  a  donation,  or  annual  subscription",  or 
both,  or  neither  ?  Your  name  is  already  incorporated,  not  only 
with  my  heart,  but  with  my  child.  It  would  gratify  me  to 
record  it  in  my  parochial  book  also.  But  be  assured,  that  if 
17 


190 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


you  refuse  me  (and  pray  do  so  without  reserve,  if  you  see 
good  reason  for  it,)  I  shall  ascribe  you  noncompliance  solely 
to  the  purest  motives.  My  School,  both  in  its  erection  and 
continuance,  is,  and  will  be  a  monument  of  personal  esteem 
to  me,  and  of  charity  to  my  poor  children.  Your  faithful 
friend,  L,  Richmond." 

The  fidelity  of  detail  which  we  have  prescribed  to  our- 
selves in  the  execution  of  the  present  Memoir,  compels  us  to 
advert  to  a  subject  of  peculiar  delicacy.  Though  it  was  the 
object  of  Mr.  Richmond  to  train  up  his  family,  from  their 
earliest  youth,  in  those  principles  which  he  himself  professed 
and  adorned ;  circumstances  of  a  painful  nature  occurred  in 
the  conduct  of  his  eldest  son  Nugent.  It  cannot  fail  to  afflict 
the  mind  of  a  pious  parent,  when  he  perceives  no  fruit  from 
the  seeds  of  piety,  which  he  has  been  anxious  to  implant  in 
the  hearts  of  his  children.  Yet  this  is  far  from  being  an 
uncommon  case ;  children  do  not  alwaj^s  adopt  the  views,  or 
walk  in  the  steps  of  those  who  have  gone  before  them  ;  un- 
happily, examples  are  not  wanting  in  the  families  of  pious 
parents,  of  greater  evils  in  the  conduct  of  their  children,  than 
are  generally  found  even  amongst  the  worldly  and  the  unbe- 
lieving. Such  grievous  disappointments  may,  perhaps,  be 
traced  in  many  instances  to  the  neglect,  the  weakness,  or  the 
inconsistency  of  the  parents,  who  are  rebuked  and  chastised 
by  the  Almighty,  in  the  iniquity  of  their  offspring :  yet  in 
other  cases,  trials  may  be  permitted,  to  exercise  faith,  deepen 
repentance,  quicken  diligence,  and  excite  to  more  frequent 
and  fervent  supplications  at  a  throne  of  grace.  But  what- 
ever be  the  cause  of  these  mournful  dispensations,  they  cer- 
tainly confirm  the  views  and  declarations  of  Scripture,  re- 
specting the  awful  condition  of  our  fallen  nature.  They 
show  that  where  the  heart  is  not  renewed  by  divine  grace, 
the  best  instructions  and  the  brightest  examples  are  without 
effect. 

Mr.  Richmond  used  every  r/ieans  in  the  power  of  a  Chris- 
tiaii  parent,  to  instruct  his  children,  and  to  restrain  their  evil 
propensities.  Neither  solemn  expostulations,  nor  tender  en- 
treaties, nor  fervent  prayers  were  wanting ;  but  they  were  in 
this  case  apparently  without  effect.  At  length,  discovering 
that  his  son,  now  sixteen  years  of  age,  evinced  a  decided  pre- 
dilection for  a  seafaring  life  (one  of  the  last  occupations  in 
which  he  wished  to  see  him  engaged;)  he  conferred  with  a 
valued  friend  in  the  Transport  Office,  by  whose  advice  it  was 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND, 


191 


ultimately  arranged  that  Nugent  should  embark  in  a  mer- 
chant's vessel  destined  to  Ceylon. 

These  circumstances  deeply  wounded  Mr.  Richmond's  pa- 
ternal feelings,  and  required  the  utmost  exercise  otliis  princi- 
ples to  support  him  under  them.  It  was  a  disappointment  of 
the  keenest  kind.  This  was  his  first-born  son,  and  in  the  days 
of  tender  infancy  he  had  fondly  devoted  him  to  be  a  minister 
of  the  sanctuary.  But  the  plant  was  blighted  in  the  bud.  Yet 
he  submitted  with  a  confiding,  though  mournful  spirit  to  the 
will  of  God  ;  he  met  his  son  at  Depttbrd ;  urged  whatever  af- 
fection and  duty  could  suggest ;  visited  him  again  for  the  last 
time  at  Portsmouth,  where  the  vessel  had  arrived  ;  and  having 
presented  him  with  a  Bible,  which  he  conjured  him  carefully 
to  peruse,  he  committed  him  to  that  God  who  has  promis- 
ed, "  I  will  pour  m}^  Spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing 
upon  thine  offspring."  Isa.  xliv,  3.  He  saw  the  vessel  pro- 
ceed on  her  voyage  with  emotions  better  conceived  than  de- 
scribed, and  lingered  on  the  shore  till  its  white  sails  were  dis- 
Cernible  no  longer. 

The  name  of  the  ship  was  the  Arniston.  The  expected 
time  of  absence  was  two  years.  Mr.  Richmond  received  let- 
ters from  his  son,  during  the  voyage,  as  he  arrived  at  I\Iadeira, 
and  afterward  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  in  tlie  month  of 
September  ;  and  finally  from  Ceylon,  dated  at  Columbo,  which 
place  he  reached  in  January,  1815. 

These  letters  expressed  regret  for  his  past  conduct,  and  a 
hope  that  he  might  one  day  prove  a  consolation  to  his  parents ; 
other  letters  which  he  subsequently  wrote  were  to  the  same 
effect. 

About  sixteen  months  afterward,  Mr.  Richmond  read  the 
afflicting  account  in  the  public  prints,  that  the  Arniston,  on 
its  return  from  Ceylon  to  Europe,  had  been  lost  in  a  dreadful 
gale  of  wind,  near  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  ;  and  that  there 
was  reason  to  fear  that  every  person  on  board  had  perished. 
Who  can  describe  the  feelings  which,  at  that  moment,  rent 
the  hearts  of  the  unhappy  parents  ?  The  intelligence  was 
brought  by  a  vessel  from  the  Cape,  which  had  heard  the  re- 
port on  its  voyage  homewards.  Still,  no  official  intelligence 
had  reached  this  country.  Mr.  Richmond  waited  the  result 
with  the  most  painful  anxiety.  Information  was  at  length  re- 
ceived, that  the  vessel  was  wrecked  near  Cape  Lagullas,  and 
that  every  passenger  on  board  had  perished,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  six  persons,  whose  names  were  specified  ;  in  which 
number  Mr.  Richmond's  son  was  not  mentioned. 


192 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


The  whole  family  went  into  mourning ;  and  the  father  sor- 
rowed for  his  lost  child  with  a  grief  unmitigated  by  the  com- 
munication of  any  cheering  circumstance  as  to  the  state  of  his 
mind,  or  his  fitness  for  so  sudden  a  change. 

About  three  months  afterward,  a  letter  was  delivered  to 
Mr.  Richmond  in  the  handwriting  of  the  very  son  whom  he 
mourned  as  dead  ;  announcing  that  he  was  alive, — that  cir- 
cumstances had  prevented  his  setting  sail  in  the  Arniston,  of 
whose  fate  he  seemed  to  be  unconscious  ;  and  communicating 
details  of  his  present  engagements  and  future  prospects  !  The 
transition  of  feeling  to  which  the  receipt  of  this  letter  gave 
rise,  produced  an  effect  almost  as  overwhelming  as  that  which 
the  report  of  his  death  had  occasioned.  The  family  mourn- 
ing was  laid  aside,  and  Mr.  Richmond  trusted  he  might  re- 
cognise,  in  this  signal  interposition  of  divine  Providence,  a 
ground  for  hope  that  his  child's  present  deliverance  was  a 
pledge  of  that  spiritual  recovery,  which  was  now  alone  want- 
ing to  fill  up  the  measure  of  his  gratitude  and  praise. 

The  following  letters,  written  during  the  period  of  painful 
suspense,  equally  discover  the  heart  of  the  parent,  and  the 
piety  of  the  Christian, 

My  dear  Mary,  On  my  return  last  night  from  the  scenery 
of  that  perfect  Paradise,  the  district  of  the  Lakes,  I  found 
your  triple  letter.  With  ^  heart  responsive  to  your  own,  and 
whose  happiness  depends  on  yours,  I  throw  myself  along  with 
you  at  the  footstool  of  grace  and  mercy,  and  say.  Not  my 
will,  but  thine  be  done,  O  Lord  !  Be  calm,  be  very  calm,  my 
love,  and  wait  the  Lord's  will.  It  appears,  doubtless,  more 
probable  that  the  commissioners  of  the  Transport  Office,  and 
the  ship-owners,  should  know  the  fact,  than  others.  Mr.  H. 
argues  on  that  ground  ;  an<i  it  is  our  wisdom  to  follow  him, 
and  pause.  Perhaps  the  report  is  designed  of  God,  to  do  us 
good  :  nay,  can  I  doubt  it  1  If  it  should  prove  true,  the  tem- 
porary check  given  to  it  has  a  lenient  and  merciful  tendency, 
to  prepare  our  minds  for  events;  if  false,  it  must  call  forth 
our  gratitude,  when  it  shall  be  proved  so.  It  can  be  no  sub- 
ject of  wonder  to  either  you  or  me,  that  accidents  should  hap- 
pen amidst  the  perils  of  the  seas.  I  have  ever  felt  it  a  duty 
to  my  own  feelings,  to  look  upon  such  as  at  all  times  probable  ; 
and  so,  I  am  persuaded,  have  you.  After  all  that  we  have 
gone  through  on  that  trying  subject,  I  hope  we  are  prepared 
to  view  all  its  contingencies,  as  those  who  have  experienced 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


193 


too  much  mercy  from  our  God  and  Saviour,  not  to  trust  him  in 
the  darker  and  more  mysterious  providences  with  which  he 
may  see  good  to  try  us.  I  perfectly  accord  with  you,  in  the 
most  willing  surrender  of  his  life,  if  his  soul  he  but  safe  :  and 
if  it  has  pleased  God  to  remove  him  in  this  way,  why  should 
we  wholly  despair  of  answers  to  prayer  ?  I  have  faith  in  that 
very  prayer  you  offered  up  in  May  last  for  him,*  and  in  many 
( thers  which  you  h  ive  sent  forth  to  heaven  in  his  behalf. 
Knowing  nothing  but  ^*  hat  your  letter  affords  me,  I  shall  wait, 
and  cast  my  burden  c  n  the  Lord.  Do  you  the  same  ;  and 
then  we  shall  sweetly  meet  at  the  throne  of  grace,  in  daily 
unity  and  blessed  accord.  I  could  never  for  an  instant  doubt 
that  God  had  some  designs  of  wisdom  and  love  in  the  trials  of 
last  May  ;  and  I  hope  among  them  is  a  more  calm,  resigned, 
hopeful,  and  solid  state  of  mind,  as  it  concerns  our  son.  I 
will,  therefore,  for  the  present,  close  the  subject,  with  an  ear- 
nest prayer,  that  you  and  I  may  mutually  cast  our  care  on 
Him  who  careth  for  us,  who  preserveth  us  daily,  and  crown- 
j  eth  our  un  worthiness  with  his  mercies.  He  has  a  right  to  it, 
'  and  we  will  not  rob  him  of  the  honor  of  keeping  us  as  the 
apple  of  his  eye.    So  he  giveth  his  beloved  rest.  Amen." 

My  dear  mother.  We  thank  you  from  our  hearts,  for  all 
your  kindness.  We  feel  a  calm  resignation  to  the  will  of  God 
in  this  new  trial,  and  recognise  evidences  of  his  covenant  love 
in  the  consolations  which  he  vouchsafes  us.  Nature  and  mem- 
ory will  now  and  then  be  very  busy,  and  we  feel  greatly.  Then 
we  think  of  the  efficacy  of  prayer,  in  connexion  with  promise, 
and  are  strengthened  and  supported.  I  doubt  not  that  a  veil 
is  permitted  to  be  thrown  over  the  last  nine  months  of  poor 
dear  Nugent's  life,  in  order  that  faith  and  hope  in  ay  have  a 
ground  for  exercise.  I  am  willing  to  believe  that,  in  addition 
to  all  others,  the  prayers  of  his  apparently  dying  mother,  a 
fortnight  before  the  shipwreck,  were  too  fervent  and  spiritu- 
ally effectual  not  to  avail  much  for  her  son.  '  The  promise  is 
to  you  and  to  your  children,  and  to  them  that  are  afar  off.' 

"  The  people  here  once  more  assembled  in  -crowds  at 
prayer-meetings,  for  us  ;  above  250  gathered  together  last 
night.  Much  sympathy  prevails;  and  1  trust  God  is  making 
'  all  things  work  together  for  the  good  of  them  that  love  him, 
and  are  tbe  called  according  to  his  purpose.'  My  dear  wife 
exhibits  all  the  grace  and  Christianity  of  last  May  on  the 

*  Dui  ing  the  period  of  lier  dangerous  illness. 

17* 


194 


MEMOIRS  OF  THK 


present  occasion.  She  is  incessantly  occupied :  she  devotes 
four  entire  hours  to  the  boys  alone,  daily,  independently  of  the 
three  hours  which  they  pass  with  Mr.  Garrard.  The  remain- 
der is  appropriated  to  the  other  children  and  the  household. 
She  has  high  ideas  of  the  duties  both  of  a  wife  and  mother^ 
and  seems  to  lay  herself  out  for  both,  with  a  mixture  of  good 
sense  and  piety  which  I  have  never  seen  exceeded,  seldona 
equalled.  God  gives  her  great  strength  of  mind  at  present, 
although  she  often  testifies  debility  of  body  and  spirit.  You 
may  write  to  her  without  fear.  I  was  prepared,  by  contra, 
dictory  reports,  for  some  weeks  past,  to  meet  the  confirmation 
of  this  sad  catastrophe,  and  so  was  my  dear  wife  in  a  mea- 
sure :  but  last  Saturday  morning,  as  we,  and  the  three  elder 
girls,  were  breakfasting  at  Mr.  Livius's,  at  Bedford,  the 
newspaper,  containing  the  whole  melancholy  narrative,  was 
taken  up  by  rny  wife,  and  she  instantly  and  suddenly  saw  the 
account.  It  was  a  trying  hour  and  we  all  melted.  Friends  in 
need  are  friends  indeed,  and  amongst  our  greatest  earthly 
mercies.  Nobody  but  ourselves  can  rightly  estimate  this  trial, 
because  none  else  can  know  what  we  went  through  on  that 
poor  boy's  account.  Thank  God,  we  cannot  reproach  our- 
«elves,^ — we  did  the  best  we  could,  from  his  birth.  The  Lord 
saw  fit  to  try  us,  but  it  was  in  wisdom  and  love.  We  dreaded 
his  return  to  England,  unlesshe  was  greatly  changed ;  but  who 
shall  say  that  the  great  change  was  not  wrought,  through  hi» 
own  trials  and  sufferings,  sanctified  of  God  to  his  soul  ?  Poor 
boy !  when  his  watery  grave  appeared  to  be  his  immediate  and 
only  refuge,  he  must  have  thought  of  his  poor  parents,  and 
needed  a  friend  and  counsellor.  But  I  hope  God  was  hettet^ 
to  him  than  any  eartlily  friend, — and  then,  all  is  well  for  him 
and  us  too.  A  thousand  thoughts  sometimes  crowd  into  our 
minds,  and  make  us  weep.  Then  comes  the  kind  Redeemer, 
and  wipes  away  the  tears  from  our  eyes.  *  This  is  the  victory 
that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith,'  your  affectionate 
son,  Legh  Richmond. 

.  The  following  pastoral  letter  alludes  to  the  same  subject ; — 

"  My  dear  Friends, 

"1  expected  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  speaking  to  you 
this  day  from  the  pulpit,  after  a  journey,  during  which  I  have 
seen  much  of  the  blessing  of  God,  both  in  my  public  labors 
and  my  private  intercourse  ; — but  we  know  not  what  a  day 
may  bring  forth  !  It  has  pleased  Him,  with  whom  are  the 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


195 


issues  of  life  and  death  to  bring  me  acquainted  with  the  event 
of  the  death  of  my  first-born  child  by  shipwreck,  on  the 
shores  of  Africa,  on  the  30th  of  May  last.  I  know  I  have 
many  dear  friends  amongst  you,  who  will  feel  for  me  under 
this  trial,  and  make  allowance  for  my  state  of  mind,  as  not 
permitting  me  to  come  out  this  day.  Nevertheless,  I  wish  you 
to  hear  something  of  my  thoughts,  and  to  know  how  a  cove- 
nant God  and  Saviour  supports  me  under  this  bereavement. 
I  have,  therefore,  desired  that  you  would  gather  together  as 
many  friends  and  neighbours  as  you  can  for  prayer.  We  feel 
most  thankful  to  God,  and  to  you,  for  your  prayers,  when  my 
dear  partner  seemed  to  be  dying  ;  and  believe  that  the  Lord 
heard  you.  We  think  that  he  will  hear  you  again,  when  yoa 
ask  that  this  trial  may  be  sanctified  to  us,  and  overruled  to 
(Tod's  glory,  and  the  final  comfort  of  many  a  soul. 

"  You  are  none  of  you  ignorant  that  it  pleased  God  to  per- 
I  mit  grievous  exercises  of  mind  to  befall  his  parents,  through 
I  some  circumstances  connected  with  the  conduct  of  this  now 
departed  youth  ;  and  I  believe  that  very  many  of  you  have 
felt  much  for  us  before  now,  on  this  account.  Yet  we  feel  it 
to  be  a  great  mercy,  that  making  all  necessary  allowances  for 
human  defects  and  failings,  we  cannot  reproach  ourselves 
with  misconduct  towards  him.  We  did  what  we  believed  to 
be  right  and  best  for  him,  from  his  infancy  :  the  precepts,  the 
principles,  the  instructions,  and  the  examples  which  we  en- 
deavored to  set  before  him  were  to  the  utmost  of  our  power, 
according  to  the  w^ord  of  God,  to  the  time  of  his  leaving  us. 
And  then  we  were  perfectly  satisfied  that  God,  in  his  provi- 
dence, had  opened  the  best  and  only  possible  way  of  avoiding 
greater  evils,  when  he  showed  us  and  our  child,  that  it  was 
right  and  necessary  he  should  choose  a  sea-life,  as  his  ap- 
pointed path.  However  contrary  to  our  former  wishes,  we 
submitted  to  the  will  of  God  ;  and  he  very  cheerfully  set  out 
on  his  voyage.  The  God  who  saw  good  that  this  should  be 
his  lot  and  portion,  has  forbidden  his  return  home  again  ;  and 
our  boy  has  gone  the  way  of  all  flesh.  '  The  Lord  gave, 
and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away, — blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord  !"  But  here  is  our  hope  and  consolation.  Nearly 
eighteen  years,  prayers  have  been  unceasingly  ofi'ered  up  for 
his  spiritual  welfare,  and  I  believe  that  none  of  those  prayers 
were  unavailing.  Only  a  fortnight  before  the  time  at  which 
he  died,  his  mother  was  wrestling  in  earnest  and  believing 
prayer,  for  his  soul  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  The  Lord  heard 
her  for  herself ;  and  may  we  not  hope  that  he  who  says,  '  the 


196 


MESIOIRS  OF  THE 


promise  is  to  you  and  to  your  children,'  would  hear  her  for 
him  likewise  ?  Moreover,  you  prayed  earnestly  for  her  and  for 
him  too  ;  and  the  Lord  heard  you  for  her, — why  not  for  him 
likewise  ?  All  these  things  appear  to  the  eye  of  my  faith,  as 
links  in  the  chain  of  grace  :  and  I  do  therefore  hope,  that, 
amidst  the  trials  and  wonders  of  the  deep,  faith  and  repent- 
ance might  be  granted  to  our  poor  boy,  before  he  departed 
hence,  and  was  no  more  seen.  O  parents  !  learn  to  pray  for 
yourselves,  and  then  you  shall  be  heard  for  your  children. 
We  are  most  thankful  to  God,  for  enabling  us  to  take  this  view 
of  his  covenant  love,  and  to  build  hope  on  this  Rock  of  ages. 

"  Some  of  you  will  remember  him  with  affection,  although 
you  used  to  mourn  over  his  errors.  I  sincerely  hope  you  will 
yet  meet  him  in  a  better  world, — where  shall  be  neither  sin 
nor  sorrow,  and  where  no  acts  of  real  kindness  to  your  fel- 
low-creatures will  be  forgotten. 

"  I  have  often  called  on  you  as  missionary  friends  ;  and  I 
hope  I  shall  prevail  on  still  more  of  you  to  help  the  cause  of 
poor  injured  Africa. 

"  We  seem  to  have  now  another  strong  feeling  towards  the 
shores  of  Africa.  Poor  Nugent  lies  buried  there  !  and  our 
missionary  pennies  and  pounds  are  going  to  a  country,  which 
his  father  loves  for  the  negro's  and  the  Hottentot's  sake,  as 
well  as  because  his  son  has  there  found  a  grave.  May  the 
living  and  the  dead  in  Africa  experience  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  ! 

"  Grace,  peace,  and  mercy  be  upon  you  all !  I  hope  His 
presence  will  be  with  you,  when  you  meet  for  prayer  ;  and  if 
(as  may  be  probably  tlie  case)  some  may  not  be  with  you  the 
first  time  you  hear  this,  call  another  meeting,  and  read  this 
letter  again,  so  that  all  may  hear  it  who  wish  to  do  so.  And 
believe  me,  with  much  Christian  love,  to  be  your  affectionate 
friend  and  minister,  Legh  Richmo^jd. 

We  have  already  alluded  to  '  the  Fathers  of  the  English 
Church,'  and  to  a  respectable  body  of  the  clergy,  at  whose 
earnest  entreaty,  and  on  whose  promise  of  support,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond undertook  that  important  publication.  At  the  same 
time  they  submitted  to  his  consideration  the  propriety  of  con- 
fining his  selections  from  the  writings  of  the  Reformers  to 
four  octavo  volumes. 

In  yielding  to  the  wishes  of  his  clerical  brethren,  amongst 
whom  was  the  late  Mr.  Robinson,  of  Leicester,  and  Dr. 
Gilbee,  the  rector  of  Barby,  in  jNorthamptonshire,  he  con- 
sidered the  whole  body  of  his  advisers  as  responsible  for  the 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3IO>D. 


197 


expenses,  and  pledged  to  carry  him  through  the  hazard  of  the 
undertaking  ;  and  with  this  idea,  he  anriounced  the  proposed 
work,  under  the  sanction  of  a  joint  editorship.  The  selection 
was,  however,  left  to  his  own  discretion  ;  and  trusting  too 
implicitly  to  the  reputation  and  merits  of  the  Reformers,  and 
judging  of  the  public  mind  by  his  own  estimation  of  their 
writings,  he  extended  the  work  to  eight  volumes.  Admitting 
the  value  of  his  materials,  we  still  question  the  propriety  of  in- 
creasing the  size  of  the  publication  ;  not  only  because  the 
risk  was  doubled,  but  also,  because  the  purchase  was  thereby 
rendered  too  expensive  for  the  generality  of  theological  read= 
ers.  Whatever  might  be  the  cause,  the  sale  was  compara- 
tively slow.  It  neither  fulfilled  the  expectations  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond and  his  friends,  nor  was  it  in  any  way  commensurate 
with  the  sterling  value  of  the  work.  The  spirit  of  the  age  was 
not  sufficiently  advanced  to  appreciate  the  importance  of  such 
an  undertaking,  though  its  merits  are  now  generally  admitted^ 
and  it  has  become  a  book  of  acknowledged  reference.  And 
yet  it  was  allowed  by  competent  judges'  that  the  editor  had 
performed  his  office  of  selection  with  great  fidelity  ;  includ- 
ing the  sentiments  of  all,  and  excluding  none  ;  mingling  with 
them  no  comments  of  his  own,  but  leaving  the  reader  to  the 
free  and  unfettered  exercise  of  his  judgment. 

Worldly  policy,  however,  was  not  one  of  the  qualifications 
of  the  subject  of  this  Memoir  ;  he  was  by  no  means  fitted  for 
transactions  of  a  secular  nature.  None  possessed  more  of  the 
harmlessuess  of  the  dove, — few  had  less  of  the  cautious  pru- 
dence of  the  serpent."^ 

The  sale  of  '  The  Fathers,^  was  insufficient  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  publication  :  and  in  the  summer  of  1814,  on  a 
balance  of  accounts,  it  appeared  that  Mr.  Richmond  was  in- 
debted to  his  publisher  in  the  sura  of  2,000Z. ;  and  that  he  had 
no  means  of  defravinoj  this  larsre  amount,  but  bv  the  stock  in 
hand. 

These  pecuniary  embarrassments  lay  heavy  on  the  mind  of 
Mr.  Richmond,  and  deeply  affected  his  spirits.  His  depres- 
sion was  observed  by  his  friends  ;  but  it  was  not  without  diffi. 
culty  he  was  prevailed  on  to  disclose  the  cause.    He  was  a 

^Mr.  Richmond's  aversion  to  the  affairs  of  this  life,  and  his  consequent 
Qofitness  for  them,  is  portrayed  in  the  following  anecdote. — He  was  on  a  visit 
to  bis  friend  Mr.  F.,  who  excused  his  absence  by  saying — "  I  must  leave  you 
for  an  hour,  Richmond,  to  do  penance  at  our  parish  vestry."  "  If,"  replied 
Mn  Ricluaond,  "  it  is  penance  to  you,  it  would  be  a  perfect  purgatory  to 


198 


MEMOIKS  OF  THE 


man  of  most  delicate  feeling,  and  shrunk  from  the  idea  of  call- 
ing on  others  for  relief. 

The  knowledge  of  these  facts  induced  many  of  his  friends 
to  exert  themselves  in  the  sale  of  the  Fathers  ;'  and  by  their 
exertions,  in  the  course  of  about  fifteen  months,  the  whole 
debt  was  discharged. 

It  is  not  intended,  by  the  above  remarks,  to  reflect  on  the 
parties  with  whom  the  work  originated,  or  on  the  persons  em- 
ployed in  its  publication  :  yet  it  is  but  common  justice  to  our 
much-esteemed  friend  to  explain  to  the  world  a  transaction, 
to  which  no  small  blame  has  been  attached,  yet  in  which 
nothing  is  to  be  regretted  but  the  increased  size  of  the  work, 
and  his  want  of  knowledge  in  the  business  part  of  its  publica- 
tion. In  the  pecuniary  transaction  of  life,  Mr.  Richmond  pre- 
served  an  undeviating  rectitude.  With  an  income  never  ex- 
ceeding 400Z.  or  500/.,  till  within  a  few  years  of  his  decease  ; 
and  with  a  family  of  twelve  children,  to  be  maintained  and 
educated,  (with  the  exception  of  two,  who  died  in  infancy)  it  is 
much  to  his  credit  that  he  provided  things  honest  in  the  sight 
of  all  men, '  owing  no  man  any  thing,'  and  depending  only  on 
his  own  resources.  With  respect  to  the  difficulties  arising 
from  the  pubHcation  of '  the  Fathers,'  he  ever  considered  him- 
self entitled  to  public  sympathy  and  relief,  having  undertaken 
the  work,  not  indeed  with  the  security  of  legal  instruments, 
yet  with  the  implied  engagement  of  an  adequate  support. 
Whether  he  was  right  in  this  supposition,  we  are  not  prepar- 
ed to  decide.  The  history  of  this  transaction  conveys,  how- 
ever, an  impressive  lesson  to  all  candidates  for  the  press,  not 
to  engage  too  precipitately  in  the  dangers  and  risks  of  author- 
ship ;  but  to  calculate  the  consequences,  and  by  wise  and  ju- 
dicious arrangements,  to  endeavor  to  ensure  success,  or  to 
anticipate  the  possibility  of  failure. 

The  following  letter  shows  the  strength  of  his  faith,  and 
his  implicit  reliance  on  the  promises  of  God,  amidst  his  diffi- 
culties. 

Rudder sjield,  August  23,  181 4. 
"  With  the  most  affectionate  love,  regard,  and  estimation, 
my  dearest  Mary,  I  must  expostulate  with  you,  on  this  mis- 
trustful and  despondent  view  which  you  seem  too  willing  to 
indulge.  I  may  say,  what  has  God  done,  in  his  whole  course 
of  providential  mercies  for  eighteen  years,  that  we  should  not, 
to  the  fullest  extent,  trust  Him  with  ourselves,  our  fortunes. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


199 


and  our  children,  for  the  time  to  come  ?  Will  mistrust  of  our 
only  Provider  and  Protector,  render  us  less  likely  to  meet  with 
trials  ?  I  am  too  deepl\^  sensible,  and  grateful  also  for  your 
conduct  and  feeling  on  the  general  subject  of  domestic  mat- 
ters, not  to  enter  most  heartily  into  them.  But  as  you  have 
asked  ray  advice  on  your  state  of  mind,  I  do  most  earnestly 
conjure  you  to  consider  the  genuine  meaning  of  those  texts — 
'  Take  no  thought  lor  the  morrow  and  *  Be  careful  for  no- 
thing, but  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God,'  dec. 
Phil,  iv,  6, 7.  See  also,  1  Peter  v,  7 ;  Psalm  Iv,  22  ;  and  many 
more.  I  am  persuaded  that  mistrust  of  God's  providential 
care  is  a  besetting  sin  of  many  of  God's  children,  and  hinders 
much  of  their  peace,  comfort,  and  usefulness.  You  are  not 
justified,  my  dear  Mary,  in  foreboding  evil  to  yourself  and 
your  children.  How  many  clergymen  with  large  families  have 
much  fewer  comforts,  and  worse  prospects  ?  God  has  blessed 
us  too  much  in  many  points  of  view,  to  warrant  such  sad  con- 
elusions  and  gloomy  doubts.  Pray  lay  these  things  more  un- 
conditionally on  the  Lord,  and  He  will  infallibly  prepare, 
strengthen,  and  support  you  in  every  thing.  What  has  he  not 
done  to  prove  this  ?  It  is  the  joy  of  my  heart  to  hope  and  think 
that  your  merciful  restoration  to  me  and  mine,  is  to  exemplify 
a  lasting  confidence  in  the  wisdom,  love,  and  power  of  that 
God,  who  so  delightfully  brought  you  through  the  greatest  of 
all  trials,  in  the  valley  of  death,  leaning  on  his  rod  and  his 
staff.  May  God  enable  you  to  keep  up  my  spirits  as  well  as 
your  own,  by  the  belief,  that  he  who  hath  done,  will  also  do, 
all  things  well.  It  is  my  perfect  persuasion  that  by  faith  we 
are  saved,  in  body  as  well  as  in  soul.  Therefore,  with  the 
minutest  attention  to  every  prudent  and  active  means,  '  Only 
believe  !'  is  the  Christian's  motto." 

During  the  emperor  Alexander's  visit  to  this  country,  Mr." 
Richmond  had  the  gratification  of  meeting  him  at  Portsmouth. 
Mr.  Richmond  had  ascended  a  lofty  tower  in  the  dock-yard, 
and  from  its  summit  was  viewing,  through  a  telescope,  the 
surrounding  objects,  when  his  imperial  majesty  and  suite 
unexpectedly  entered.  Mr.  Richmond  offered  to  withdraw  ; 
but  the  emperor  would  not  con&ent,  saying — "  Perhaps,  sir, 
you  are  acquainted  with  the  pomts  of  view  before  us  ?"  Mr. 
Richmond  assured  him  he  well  knew  every  spot  in  the  neigh- 
borhood ;  and  drawing  out  his  telescope,  directed  the  eye  of 
the  Emperor  to  the  diflferent  objects  worthy  of  notice.  After 


200 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


a  long  and  interesting  conversation  with  his  majesty,  before 
they  separated,  Mr.  Richmond  said — "  I  avail  myself  of  this 
opportunity  lo  thank  your  imperial  majesty,  in  my  own  name, 
and  in  that  of  all  the  friends  of  the  Bible  Society  in  England, 
for  the  distinguished  patronage  and  support  that  your  majesty 
has  shown  to  the  same  cause  in  Russia."  The  Emperor 
obligingly  replied, — "  Sir,  my  thanks  are  rather  due  to  your 
country,  and  to  the  friends  of  the  cause  :  for  had  it  not  been 
for  your  example,  we  should  have  had  no  Bible  Society  in 
Russia." 

Some  months  after  this  remarkable  interview,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond inclosed  a  copy  of  his  Tracts,  with  the  following  letter, 
to  his  imperial  majesty. 

May  it  please  your  Imperial  Majesty, 
An  offer  has  been  made  to  me  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pater- 
son,  of  conveying  a  copy  of  the  book  which  accompanies  this 
letter  to  your  Imperial  Majesty,  through  the  kindness  and  con- 
descension of  His  Excellency  the  Prince  Galitzin. 

In  presuming  to  take  this  liberty,  I  am  influenced,  not  by 
the  opinion  which  1  myself  entertained  as  to  the  value  of  the 
contents  of  the  volume,  but  by  the  firm  persuasion  which  I 
hold,  that  the  Christian  sentiments  which  form  the  foundation 
of  those  simple  narratives,  are  dear  to  your  Majesty's  heart. 

"  Your  majesty's  public  conduct  and  avowed  principles 
have  tended  to  convince  me,  that  neither  the  splendor  of  im- 
perial dignity,'^nor  the  glory  of  military  conquests,  are,  in  your 
Majesty's  estimation,  comparable  to  the  privileges  and  bless- 
ings which  Christianity  alone  can  confer  on  those  who  live 
under  the  influence  of  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ. 

"  In  the  belief  and  hope  that  it  is  your  Majesty's  desire  to 
promote  the  temporal  and  eternal  interests  of  the  people  of 
Russia,  by  an  instrument,  however  apparently  small  and  un- 
worthy, which  God  may  see  good  to  bless,  I  submit  this  little 
volume  to  your  Majesty's  candid  acceptance. 

"  These  short  'Annals  of  the  Poor,'  have  been  made  very- 
useful,  through  the  mercy  and  power  of  God,  to  many  in  this 
country.  England  is  now  attached  to  Russia,  not  only  by  past 
political  and  friendly  relations,  but  much  more  than  ever,  by 
your  Majesty's  dignified  and  condescending  deportment,  dur- 
ing your  recent  visit  to  this  kingdom.  May  theKing  of  kings, 
who  is  alike  the  Lord  of  Russia  and  of  Britain,  make  use  oi 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3I0XD. 


201 


even  so  feeble  an  instrument  as  this  little  volume  to,  convey 
some  of  the  spiritual  blessings  which  have  attended  its  pub- 
lication in  Britain,  to  the  utmost  extent  of  your  Majesty's 
dominions. 

"  When  your  Majesty  shall  be  pleased  to  receive  this  book, 
may  the  author  of  it  be  permitted  to  remind  your  Majesty, 
that  he  is  the  sam.e  individual  whom  your  Majesty  saw  at  the 
summit  of  the  lofty  tower,  in  the  dock-yard  at  Portsmouth, 
on  Friday,  June  24th  last  ;  and  who  then  had  the  unexpected 
honor  of  lending  your  Majesty  the  telescope  with  which  your 
Majesty  surveyed  the  surrounding  prospect.  The  kind  and 
condesending  manner  in  which  your  Majesty  was  pleased  to 
notice  an  English  stranger  on  that  occasion,  is  recollected 
with  the  sincerest  satisfaction  and  gratitude,  whilst  I  now 
present  this  volume  to  your  Majesty's  notice. 

"  Your  Majesty  will  be  pleased  to  allow  me,  as  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  to  conclude  by  praying  Almighty  God,  that 
His  grace,  peace,  and  mercy,  may  be  abundantly  poured  down 
upon  your  Majesty,  and  upon  the  people  of  your  extensive 
dominions,  over  whom  he  has  given  you  the  earthly  sove- 
reignty. 

"May  the  Gospel  of  the  blessed  Jesus  prosper  among  the 
subjects  of  all  the  Russias  ;  and  that  it  may  be  your  Majesty's 
chief  crown  of  rejoicing,  in  the  great  day  of  his  appearance, 
is  the  supplication  of  your  Imperial  Majesty's  most  obedient 
and  unworthy  servant,  Legh  Ricii:mo^'d." 

The  following  reply  was  received  by  Mr.  Richmond  from 
his  Imperial  Majesty,  accompanied  with  a  ring  of  consider- 
able value  : — 

"  Reverend  Sir,  The  copy  of  your  book,  entitled  '  Annals 
of  the  Poor,'  was,  according  to  your  desire,  presented  to  his 
Imperial  Majesty,  the  Emperor  Alexander,  by  me,  together 
with  your  letter,  and  accepted  by  his  Majesty,  with  the  great- 
est satisfaction.  The  object  of  this  volume,  the  promotion  of 
Christian  charity  and  truly  religious  sentiments,  renders  it 
most  valuable  and  interesting  in  the  eyes  of  the  Emperor, 
who  desires  nothing  so  much  as  to  see  the  principles  of  the 
Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  more  and  more  universal 
in  his  dominions,  and  in  the  whole  world. 

"  On  this  occasion,  his  Imperial  Majesty  recollected  also 
having  made  your  acquaintance  in  Portsmouth,  under  the  cir- 
cumstances  you  describe  in  your  letter. 
18  . 


a02 


BIEMOIRS  OF  THE 


"  In  consequence  of  all  this,  his  Majesty  ordered  me  to  de- 
posit your  book  in  the  library  of  the  Imperial  Humane  Soci- 
ety, and  to  send  the  ring  which  accompanies  this  letter,  as  a 
mark  of  his  true  esteem  for  you,  and  high  approbation  of  your 
work. 

"  It  is  very  agreeable  to  me,  in  thus  fulfilling  the  order  of 
my  sovereign,  to  assure  you  of  the  sincere  esteem  with  which 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  Alexander  Galitzin." 

«  St.  Petersburgh,J(m.  14,  1817." 

Mr.  Richmond  also  presented  a  copy  of  his  '  Young  Cot- 
tager' to  Princess  Sophia  Metstchersky,  who  first  translated 
the  tract  of  the  Dairyman's  Daughter  into  the  Russian  Ian. 
guage.  This  noble  lady's  time  and  influence  are  consecrated 
to  the  cause  of  religion,  and  many  instances  are  recorded  of 
her  usefulness.  May  her  distinguished  example  inspire  a  like 
zeal  in  others  of  the  same  elevated  rank  ;  and  may  the  time 
soon  arrive,  when  the  crown  and  the  coronet  shall  universally 
be  laid  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  of  the  Redeemer  ! 

He  received  from  her  Highness  the  following  answer  : — 

"  Reverend  Sir,  I  have  been  hesitating  for  some  days  if  I 
should  stop  to  answer  you  till  Mr.  Pinkerton  would  be  here, 
in  hope  that  he  would  help  me  to  express  my  gratitude  for 
your  kind  letter  and  valuable  present  in  proper  time  ;  but  I 
am  afraid  it  will  be  too  long,  and  you  will  perhaps  suppose 
me  indifferent  and  ungrateful,  so  I  venture  to  send  you  my  bad 
English  without  correction. 

Remember,  dear  Sir,  that  I  am  but  a  scholar,  a  very  new 
one,  and  quite  unfit  to  correspond  with  such  a  man  as  you, 
though  my  soul  is  capable  of  loving  you  as  a  brother  and 
friend  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  of  admiring  you  as  a  chosen  ser- 
vant  of  his,  a  vessel  unto  honor,  sanctified  and  meet  for  the 
Master's  use,  and  for  the  edification  and  comfort  of  his  chil- 
dren. Yes,  sir,  I  hope  I  am  united  to  you  in  one  body  and 
soul,  which  is  Christ  Jesus  the  Saviour  ;  and  I  say,  with  '  Lit- 
tle Jane,'  that  I  am  happy  to  be  even  the  smallest  and  lowest 
of  all  his  members.  How  much  I  delighted  in  reading  this 
narrative  ;  how  wonderful  the  grace  of  our  Lord  !  how  happy 
the  country  where  children  are  brought  up  in  the  fear  of  God, 
and  taught  so  young  to  love  and  serve  the  Saviour  !  what  an 
eminent  Christian, — so  young  a  child  !  But  this  is  neither  to 
be  taught  nor  learnt.  He  alone  can  give  it,  who  is  love  itself, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


203 


and  who  purchased  us  to  himself  by  shedding  his  precious 
blood  for  us.  Oh,  sir,  you  do  not  know,  perhaps,  to  what  an 
unworthy  teing  you  wrote.  I  have  passed  all  my  life  in  the 
ignorance  of  Him  who  died  for  me  ;  without  love  to  Him  who 
loved  me  first,  and  sought  me  out,  when  I  hastened  to  my  ruin 
in  a  life  of  enmity  to  my  God.  He  sought  me  out,  and  mer- 
cifully sent  His  servant  Pinkerton  to  open  my  eyes  and  my 
ears  by  the  power  of  His  word,  so  that  1  plainly  see  now 
what  a  sinful,  wicked  creature  I  am  :  what  a  gracious,  mer- 
ciful God  to  offend  !  and  how  kind,  and  always  ready  and 
willing  to  receive  us,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  is,  and  always 
will  be  !  How  good  He  was  to  me,  sending  such  a  meek,  pa- 
tient, loving  soul,  as  the  worthy  Mr.  Pinkerton  proved  to  be 
during  his  living  in  my  family.*  What  a  life  of  disgust  it 
must  have  been  to  a  man  of  his  distinguished  merit,  to  bear 
with  the  caprices  and  wickedness  of  a  spoiled,  ignorant,  and 
proud  woman  ;  but  *  charity  seeketh  not  her  own,  is  not  easily 
provoked,  beareth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all 
things  :  charity  never  faileth  :'  I  have  an  evident  proof  of  it 
in  my  dear  friend  and  instructer.  But  I  must  stop,  and  ask 
to  be  forgiven  for  having  written  so  much  :  my  heart  opens 
at  the  voice  of  a  friend,  and  then  I  speak  out  of  the  fulness 
of  it.  Excuse  me,  then,  sir,  for  intruding  so  much  upon  your 
time.  Pray  for  me,  that  I  may  come  in  faith  and  grace  to 
the  happy  day,  in  which  I  shall  be  enabled  to  join  with  you 
in  joyful  hallelujahs  and  eternal  praises  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther and  divine  Saviour.  Oh,  may  his  peace  always  be  with 
you  !  Receive  with  indulgence,  dear  sir,  my  hearty  thanks  ; 
and  the  assurance  of  the  sincere  esteem  and  high  regard  with 
which  I  am  your  much  obliged  and  obedient, 

"  P.  Sophia  Metstchersky.'* 

The  letters  to  Mrs.  Livius,  which  are  next  inserted,  were 
written  about  this  period,  and  the  editor  cannot  recur  to  them 
•without  feelings  of  the  liveliest  emotion.  They  allude  to  an 
excellent  and  highly  valued  character,  the  late  George 
Livius,  Esq.,  who  is  endeared  to  the  writer  by  recollections 
which  time  cannot  impair, — which  live  not  only  in  the  me- 
mory, but  in  the  heart.  He  once  knew  the  world,  but  had 
long  retired  from  it,  and  left  it  in  pursuit  of  a  better.  He 

J*  Mr.  (now  Dr.)  Pinkerton,  was  intrusted  with  the  education  of  this  distin- 
guished lady's  children. 


204  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

was  the  well-known  Gaius*  of  the  county  where  he  lived,. — 
the  lover  of  good  men,  of  whatever  name  or  title  :  he  was 
purified  in  the  furnace  of  affliction  ;  but  his  trials  are  now 
terminated,  and  he  has  entered  on  those  blest  abodes  where 
rest  is  promised  to  the  weary,  and  where  sorrow  and  sighing 
tiee  away.f 

The  editor  trusts  he  shall  be  pardoned  this  short  indul- 
gence  of  awakened  feeling  towards  one  who  was  his  father- 
in-law,  and  who  eminently  united  to  the  interesting  qualities 
that  adorn  the  man,  the  principles  and  graces  that  constitute 
the  Christian. 

Nov.  15,  1816. 

My  dear  Madam, — Permit  me  to  exercise  the  Christian 
privilege  of  at  once  condoling  and  consoling  you.  Often  have 
I  felt  with  and  for  you,  as  it  has  long  respected  your  depart- 
ed son  ;  yet  I  doubt  not,  every  pang  of  his,  and  every  grief, 
have  alike  had  their  allotted  embassy,  and  that  a  message  of 
mercy  to  both.  The  valley  of  tears  is  strewed  with  rocks 
and  thorns,  and  the  pathway  often  lies  through  deep  waters  ; 
yet  the.  rocks  are  placed  there  by  him  who  is  emphatically 
the  Rock  ;  the  thorn  of  care  is  not  unaccompanied  by  the  Rose 
of  Sharon  ;  and  in  the  deep  waters  God  has  promised  to  de- 
liver. If  this  valley  be  a  wilderness,  it  is  one  through  which 
his  people  are  journeying,  and  in  the  midst  of  its  darkest 
shades  they  fear  no  evil,  for  He  is  with  them ;  his  rod  and 
staft^are  their  support  and  consolation.  It  is  not  so,  my  ho- 
nored friend  ?  That  you  and  I  may  ever  prove  it,  is  the  sin- 
cere prayer  of  my  dear  wife  and  of  your  affectionate  friend, 

Legh  Richmond." 

Nov.  23,  181 G. 

"  My  dear  Madam., — Allow  me  once  more  to  express  the 
friendly  solicitude  which  I  feel  for  you  and  my  honored  friend- 
Mr.  Livius,  under  your  recent  and  present  trial. f  His  strength 

^  A  name  given  to  him,  expressive  of  his  hospitality.  St.  Paul  alludes  to 
Gains,  as  the  host  by  whom  he  was  entertained.    Romans  xvi,  23. 

t  The  following  anecdote  deserves  to  be  preserved,  relating  to  this  gentle- 
man. He  was  formerly  resident  in  India,  where  he  held  an  important  office, 
in  the  time  ol  Warren  Hastings.  Being  some  time  after  requested  by  Mr. 
Burke,  who  conducted  the  celebrated  impeachment  of  Governor  Hastings,  )<> 
furnish  him  with  some  fresh  charges,  of  which  it  was  known  that  Mr.  Livius 
was  in  possession,  the  latttr  inquired  what  number  he  already  intended  to  pre- 
fer ?  "  We  have  now,"  replied  Mr.  Burke,  "  twenty-seven  charges  against 
him."  "Then,"  said  Mr.  Livius,  *'l  will  not  add  one  more  to  the  number, 
for  you  have  twenty  too  many." 

t  The  death  of  one  of  their  son?,  and  the  dangerous  illness  of  Mr.  Livius. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


205 


spirits  would  not  admit  of  my  saying  all  which  my  heart  dic- 
tated when  I  saw  him  yesterday.  I  wish  him  to  know  how 
much  I  have  valued  his  friendship,  and  how  grateful  I  feel 
for  a  series  of  hospitality  and  kindness  of  no  ordinary  cha- 
racter, for  a  period  of  now  near  eleven  years.  I  wish  him  to 
know  that  I  have  ever  been  a  sympathyzing  observer  of  his 
bodily  sufferings  ;  and  have  entertained  a  cordial  esteem  and 
regard  for  his  many  amiable  and  excellent  qualities  of  head 
and  heart. 

"  The  confidential  intercourse  with  which,  at  various  pe- 
riods, he  has  been  pleased  to  favor  me,  cannot  be  obliterated 
from  my  recollection,  nor  effaced  from  my  affections.  It  is  my 
heart's  prayer  that  his  consolations  may  be  '  neither  few  nor 
small ;'  that  the  peace  of  God  may  be  his  resting. pillow,  and 
that  God  will  '  make  his  bed  in  all  his  sickness.'  Not  one 
affliction  has  ever  befallen  him  beyond  what  his  heavenly 
Father  designed  for  his  present  and  eternal  good.  Wisdom, 
mercy,  power,  and  faithfulness,  have  guided  all.  May  each 
of  his  children  be  blessed  with  a  heart  taught  by  the  same 
spirit  who  hath  taught  hirh  and  you  to  look  to  the  Strong  One 
for  help  ;  and  may  they  be  elTectually  preserved  from  the 
snares  and  delusions  of  this  present  evil  world. 

"  May  you,  my  dear  friend,  be  upheld  by  a  Saviour's  power 
and  love,  to  fulfil  ever}^  arduous  task  which  his  wisdom  as- 
signs you.  Forgive  this  intrusion,  solely  prompted  by  grate- 
ful friendship.  Accept  our  united  assurances  of  love  for  you 
and  yours." 

Dec.  18,  1816. 

"  My  very  dear  friend, — It  is  fit  that  the  same  moment 
which  brings  me  the  long-expected,  yet  afflicting  tidings  of 
my  much-loved  friend's  departure  from  this  vale  of  tears, 
should  dictate  a  few  sympathetic  lines  to  his  dear  relict. 
Your  mind  has  long  waited  this  event,  with  Christian  resig- 
nation. May  the  Spirit  of  power  and  peace  bless  his  own 
preparation,  now  that  the  hour  of  trial  has  arrived  !  You  have 
the  prayers  of  many  friends  to  mingle  with  your  own.  These, 
in  God's  sight,  are  riches.  May  you  enjoy  them  spiritually 
and  eternally.  '  Tribulation  worketh  patience  ;  patience,  ex- 
perience  ;  experience,  hope ;'  hope  thou  therefore  in  God. 
Time  is  swiftly  passing  away,  and  its  stream  is  gradually 
absorbed  in  eternity.  Our  years  roll  on,  and  we  shall  soon 
be  there  ;  and  there  we  shall  meet  those  who  have  loved 
Christ,  and  loved  us.  There,  dear  madam,  in  the  bosom  of 
18* 


206 


JIEMOIHS  OF  THE 


your  Saviour  and  God,  you  shall  meet  your  dear  husband. 
Till  then,  may  faith,  hope,  peace,  tranquillity,  and  love,  gild 
your  horizon,  like  resplendent  clouds  round  the  setting  sun, 
prophetic  of  a  bright  approaching  morning.  Christ  has  be- 
queathed his  peace  to  you  ;  take  it  as  his  legacy,  and  use  it 
to  his  glory.  Mrs.  Richmond  unites  in  affectionate  regards 
to  you  and  all  yours,  under  this  present  trial,  with  your  af- 
fectionate  friend,  Legh  Richmond," 

We  close  the  chapter  with  a  pleasing  little  poetical  effu- 
sion, written  about  the  same  time  : — 

A  WIDOWED  MOTHER'S  ADDRESS  TO  HER  DAUGHTER  ON 
THE  DAY  OF  HER  MARRIAGE. 

Say,  why  should  my  bosom  thus  lieave  with  a  sigh, 
And  the  tear  of  affection  now  start  from  tny  eye  ? 
Forgive  me,  my  child,  whom  my  soal  holds  so'dear  ;— 
You've  a  smile  from  my  heart,,  though  my  eye  drops  a  tear  I 

This  sigh  is  the  tribute  of  tenderest  love. 

And  I  trust  shall  be  heard  in  the  mansions  above  ^ 

For  it  breathes  a  warm  prayer  to  the  Bridegroom  of  heaven^ 

That  to  thee,  now  a  bride,  his  best  blessing  be  given. 

May  He  weave  thee  a  garland  on  this  nuptial  morn, 
With  the  roses  of  Sharon  thy  brows  to  adnrn  ; 
With  the  ring  of  his  love,  may  he  claim  thee  for  his, 
And  pronounce  thee  "  joint  heir"  of  his  heavenly  bliss. 

May  his  true  Wedding  robe,  which  he  purchased  with  blood. 
Be  thy  portion,,  my  daughter,  by  Jesus  bestowed  ; 
By  his  grace  freely  pan^oned,  and  cleansed  from  all  sin, 
Be  thou  spotless  without,  and  all  glorious  within. 

May  my  child  and  her  partner,  in  holy  connexion. 
Be  united,  through  grace,  by  true  Christian  affection ; 
May  the  wife  prove  a  sister,  the  husband  a  brother, 
And  each  find  a  help  in  the  faith  of  the  other. 

Thus  thy  marriage  on  earth  a  sweet  emblem  shall  be, 
Of  a  far  brighter  union  provided  for  thee ; 
A  nd  then,  the  few  days  of  thy  pilgrimage  past, 
Thy  Saviour  will  own  Thee  his  spouse  at  the  last. 

Peace  be  with  you,  my  children!  I  speak  without  guile, 
I  began  with  a  tear,  but  I  end  with  a  smile; 
'Tis  my  hope,  that  your  happiness  nothing  shall  cloy, 
And  the  heart  of  the  widow  shall  sing  with  new  joy  \ 


REV.  LEGH  RICH3I0?fD. 


207 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Letter— Poetry— Description  of  lake  scenery— Brief  account  of  his  first  tour  to  Scot- 
land—His  sentiments  on  Oratorios— Tribute  to  ihe  memory  of  his  mother,  &c. 

It  was  usual  with  Mr.  Richmond  to  mark  with  peculiar  so- 
lemnity  the  birthdays  of  himself  and  all  his  family.  Those 
he  kept  as  a  kind  of  religious  festival ; — writing  letters  to  the 
different  members  of  his  family,  and  preaching  to  his  parish- 
ioners  on  an  appropriate  subject.  The  following  letter  he 
wrote  to  his  mother  on  one  of  these  occasions. 

"My  dearest  Mother. — The  return  of  this  day  demands  a 
return  of  affectionate  regards  to  God,  the  author  of  my  being, 
and  to  you,  the  instrument  employed  by  him  to  convey  life  and 
existence  to  my  unworthy  self.  Often  do  I  reflect  with  love 
and  gratitude  on  your  kindness  and  watchful  care  over  me, 
from  infancy  to  the  present  moment.  Your  qualities  of  heart 
and  head  cannot  be  forgotten,  any  more  than  the  name  of 
parent; — a  title  consecrated  by  every  principle,  divine  and 
human.  This  being  my  birthday,  I  propose  to  preach  on 
Psalm  cxxxix,  verses  14 — 18.  How  suitable  . for  such  a  me- 
ditation !  What  a  miracle  is  the  life  of  man,  viewed  naturally, 
spiritually,  and  eternally !  How  incomprehensible,  from  the 
first  to  last !  from  conception  to  the  cradle, — from  the  cradle 
to  the  grave, — from  the  grave  to  the  resurrection, — from  the 
resurrection  through  eternity  !  Then  to  consider  the  endless 
variety  of  frames,  providences,  events,  souls,  bodies,  and 
.spirts!  Sometimes  when  I  meditate  on  futurity,  I  am  lost 
in  inexplicable  thought :  I  then  see  the  importance  of  the 
mind's  retiring  into  the  consolations  of  the  past  and  the  pre- 
sent,  as  they  rise  from  the  revealed  plan  of  salvation  ;  and 
through  that  medium,  even  eternity  assumes  a  solid  and  hope- 
ful aspect. 

"  If  ever  I  felt  it  more  than  ordinarily  due  to  a  valued  pa- 
rent  to  express  my  gratitude,  it  is  at  a  time  when  she  has  so 
kindly  and  so  considerately  met  the  peculiar  circumstances  of 
difficulty,  in  which  a  variety  of  events  have  conspired  to  place 
me.  Between  my  last  and  present  birthday  many  sorrows, 
many  shocks  to  feeling,  many  heavy  expenses  have  occurred; 
my  heart  has  been  tried  to  the  utmost :  but  your  aflectionate, 
unupbraiding,  and  liberal  conduct,  has  proved  a  great  cordial 
to  me  and  my  dear  wife,  in  all  our  trials.  " 


208 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


The  following  letter  will  introduce  to  the  reader  a  son  of 
Mr.  Richmond's,  of  whom  we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak 
more  fully  toward  the  close  of  this  Memoir.  The  name,  as 
has  been  observed,  was  given  to  commemorate  that  remark- 
able  event  of  his  own  life  which  arose  from  the  perusal  of 
Mr.  Wilberforce's  work  on  Practical  Christianity.  This  boy 
was  now  in  his  twelfth  year  ;  and  we  insert  this  letter  prin- 
cipally to  show  the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Richmond  address- 
ed his  children  at  an  early  age. 

"  My  dear  Wilberforce, 

"  Shall  I  have  no  cause  for  heart-ache  at  my  return, 
when  I  inquire  how  my  child  has  behaved  ?  how  he  has  at- 
tended to  his  learning  ?  how  he  has  adhered  to  truth  in  his 
words  ?  Shall  1  be  comforted  with  the  glad  tidings  that  your 
heart,  and  your  conscience,  and  your  ways,  all  seem  to  par- 
take of  a  happy  influence?  That  you  show  your  love  to 
mamma  by  keeping  her  commandments  ?  That  you  pray  to 
God  to  forgive  you  your  sins,  and  hourly  offences  ?  Do  the 
four  walls  of  your  little  chamber  bear  witness  to  your  prayers 
and  supplications  for  yourself  and  me  ?  Do  the  sun's  rays,  as 
they  early  penetrate  your  window  in  the  morning,  find  you 
early  and  active  to  rise,  to  read,  to  labor,  and  grow  in  grace? 

"I  saw  Litchfield  cathedral,  and  attended  divine  service 
there.  It  is  a  much  smaller  one  than  York,  but  has  great 
beauty;  the  organ  notes  rolled  sublimely  through  the  vaults, 
arches,  pillars,  and  roof ;  and  the  exquisitely  painted  windows 
assimilated  with  such  sounds,  and  rendered  the  effect  very 
fine.    It  has  three  beautiful  spires. 

"One  evening  I  travelled  with  a  friend  for  three  hours, 
amidst  the  most  beautiful  and  never-ceasing  distant  lightning ; 
the  whole  western  hemisphere  was  in  a  constant  blaze  ;  the 
flashes  alternated  from  one  point  of  the  horizon  to  another, 
distance  about  forty-five  degrees  from  it;  sometimes  the 
flashes  were  silvery,  sometimes  yellow,  sometimes  orange, 
sometimes  forked,  sometimes  sheet-like,  sometimes  so  vivid, 
you  seemed  to  have  a  peep  into  more  distant  regions  of 
space  ;  sometimes  more  faint ;  now  and  then  you  heard  slight 
rumblings,  then  all  was  silent.  At  one  point  the  flashes 
gleamed  upon  a  distant  view  of  a  castle,  which  seemed  all  on 
fire,  and  was  only  rendered  visible  by  the  effect  of  the  light- 
ning. A  dark  forest  lay  behind,  and  formed  a  fine  contrast. 
Sometimes  the  forked  flashes  hurried  one  another  in  a  kind 
of  playful  progress  ;  at  others,  they  dashed  together  as  if  in 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


209 


terrible  combat :  all  this  passed  between  seven  and  ten  o'clock, 
on  the  evening  of  June  28th.  But  what  are  these  lightnings, 
compared  with  those  which  made  Moses  quake  and  tremble  at 
Mount  Sinai  ?  or  what  were  even  the  latter,  when  contrasted 
with  those  of  God's  wrath  against  sinners  ?  Thunder  and 
lightning  is  a  fine  emblem  of  Divine  justice  and  threatenings. 
You  have  need  to  '  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.'  'Repent, 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.'  '  The  wicked,  and  all 
the  people  that  forget  God,  shall  be  turned  into  hell.'  Do 
you  forget  Him  ? — if  so,  what  shall  be  your  portion  ?  If  you 
say  you  do  not  forget  Him,  how  do  you  prove  it  ? — 

 video  meliora  proboque 

Detei  iora  sequor ; 

is  the  character  of  too  many  nominal  Christians  ;  I  would  not 
have  it  to  be  yours.  An  enlightened,  but  unconverted  mind, 
bus  eyes  and  tongue  to  approve  what  is  right  ;  but  the  feet 
follow  the  paths  of  evil.  A  converted  heart  alone  walks  in 
the  steps  of  Him  who  is  '  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life,' 
Say— 

"To  me,  O  Lord,  be  tliou  '  the  way,' 
To  me  be  thou  'the  truth;' 
To  me,  my  Saviour,  be  'the  life,' 
Thou  Guardian  of  my  youth  ! 

"  So  shall  thy  *  way'  be  my  delight, 
Tliat '  truth' shall  make  me  free  ; 
That '  life'  shall  raise  me  from  the  dead, 
And  then  I'll  live-to  Thee."  , 

.  "  I  sincerely  hope  you  are  beginning  to  be  truly  sensible  of 
the  danger  of  sin,  and  the  necessity  of  seeking  the  Lord  very- 
early.  Your  life  is  an  uncertainty,  at  best ;  occasional  indis- 
positions should  remind  you  that  you  may  never  arrive  at 
man's  estate.  If  you  are  to  die  a  boy,  we  must  look  for  a 
boy's  religion,  a  boy's  knowledge,  a  boy's  faith,  a  boy's  Sa- 
viour,— a  boy's  salvation  !  Or  else,  a  boy's  ignorance, — a 
boy's  obstinacy, — a  boy's  unbelief, — a  boy's  idolatry, — a 
boy's  destruction  !  Remember  all  this  and  beware  of  sin  ; 
dread  the  sinfulness  of  an  unchanged  heart ; — pray  for  a  new 
one  ;  pray  for  grace  and  pardon,  and  a  soul  conformed  to 
the  image  of  Christ  Jesus  ;  pray  for  wisdom,  for  the  destruc- 
lion  of  pride,  vain  conceit,  and  self-sufficiency.  '  Be  not 
slothful  in  business  ;  but  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord.' 

"  Friends  here  inquire  after  you  ;  but  it  is  in  the  full  hope 
that  you  go  on  well,  creditably,  obediently,  industriously. 


210 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


humbly,  and  Christianly.    Love  to  all,  from  your  affection- 
ate  Father,  L.  Richnond." 

We  here  introduce  a  birthday  hymn,  composed  for  his  son 
Wilberforce : — 

"My  years  roll  on  in  silent  course, 
Impelled  by  a  resistless  force  : 
Awake,  my  soul !  awake  and  sing, 
How  good  thy  God,  how  great  thy  King  ! 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  then  let  me  know 
The  great  design  for  which  they  flow; — 
And  as  the  ship  floats  o'er  the  wave, 
Thy  vessel.  Lord,  in  mercy  save. 

"  My  years  roll  on  :  the  tide  of  time 
Bear  me  through  many  a  changing  clime  ' 
I've  summers,  winters; — heat  and  cold, — 
Winds,  calms,  and  tempests,  ten  times  told. 

"My  rears  roll  on  :  but  here's  my  hope, 
And  (his  my  everlasting  prop  : 
Thoiigh  seasons  change,  and  I  change  too, 
My  God's  <!ie  same  ; — for  ever  true ! 

«« My  years  roll  on  :  and  as  they  roll. 
Oh !  may  they  waft  my  ransomed  soul 
Safe  through  life's  ocean,  to  yon  shore, 
Where  sins  and  sorrows  grieve  no  more ! 

"  My  years  roll  on :  and  with  them  flows 
That  mercy  which  no  limit  knows: 
'Tis  Mercy's  current  makes  me  glide, 
In  hope  of  safety,  down  the  tide.. 

"My  years  roll  on  :  my  soul,  be  still ; — 
Guided  by  love,  thy  course  fulfil : 
And,  my  life's  anxious  voyage  past, 
My  refuge  be  with  Christ  at  last!" 

"L.  R." 

The  birth  of  another  child  induced  Mr.  Richmond  to  re- 
quest  a  very  endeared  friend,  Mrs.  R.,  formerly  of  Kendal, 
to  stand  as  sponsor.  The  request  was  made  in  the  follow- 
ing letter  : — 

TurvcTf,  Jan.  23, 1818. 

"Will  my  dear  friend,  Mrs.  R.,  allow  me  to  enrol  her  * 
name  amongst  the  sponsors  of  my  sweet  little  child  at  her 
baptism  ?  It  is  my  wife's  desire,  as  well  as  my  own  :  do  not 

refuse  us.    Dear  Mrs.  F.  of  S—         Castle,  is  the  other 

godmother.  Join  her  in  this  act  of  charity  and  friendship, 
and  thus  put  a  seal  to  valuable  recollections  of  Kendal, 
Keswick,  &c.  &c.    The  hymn  of  our  last  morning,  after 


REV.    UEGH  RICHMOND. 


211 


breakfast,  still  echoes  a  sweet  farewell  in  niy  ear  and  my 
heart. 

"  My  babe  is  to  be  called  Charlotte  Elizabeth.  Charlotte 
as  a  memorial  of  the  lamented  Princess  ;  and  Elizabeth,  as  a 
memorial  of  '  the  Dairyman's  Daughter.'  A  palace  and  a 
cottage  here  unite  in  my  child's  cradle  :  may  she  rock  in 
peace,  and  ever  be  found  in  the  arms  of  her  Saviour." 

The  following  verses,  composed  by  Mr.  Richmond,  were 
sung  at  the  baptismal  font,  immediately  after  the  service  was 
concluded  : — 

"  Welcome,  dear  balie,  to  Jesu's  breast — 
For  ever  there  securely  rest : 
Welcome  lo  these  his  courts  below,— 
Here  may  our  God  his  grace  bestow. 

**  Lord,  sanctify  ihis  solemn  hour, 
Thy  spirit  on  our  offspring  pour! 
Fulfil  thy  promise  to  our  child, 
May  she  in  Christ  be  reconciled! 

"These  holy  waters  now  proclaim 
Redemption  free  in  J esu's  name, 
Each  sprinkled  drop  becomes  a  seal 
Of  that  salvation  which  we  feel. 

"  Behold  th'  affrighted  infant  weep! 
Fear  has  disturbed  her  gentle  sleep. 
Weep  not,  dear  babe,  all  oihers  smile, 
And  love  and  bless  thee  all  the  while. 

"Grant,  Lord!  if  spared,  the  time  may  come. 
When,  summoned  (o  her  heavenly  home, 
Though  all  around  her  weep  and  sigh, 
In  smiles  triumphant  she  may  die  ! 

"Receive  the  helpless  child,  we  pray, 
And  seal  lierto  Redemption's  day, 
3Iansions  of  bliss  may  she  inherit, — 
The  gift  of  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit!" 

'  With  the  lady  who  stood  sponsor  to  his  child,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond visited,  during  one  of  his  tours  in  the  North,  the  Lakes 
of  Westmoreland.  Among  his  papers  is  a  very  pleasing  de- 
scription  of  the  scenery  of  that  rich  and  romantic  country. 
W^e  extract  the  following  passage,  on  account  of  its  beauty  : — 
"  There  are  numberless  changes  of  effect  produced  in  moun- 
tain scenery  by  the  variation  of  sun,  shade,  mist,  cloud,  the 
state  of  vegetation,  character  of  the  atmosphere,  and  other 
causes,  well  known  to  every  one  familiar  with  such  scenes ; 
and  they  constitute  no  inconsiderable  source  of  that  highgra- 


212 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


tification  which  the  traveller  experiences  in  the  study  of  natu- 
ral beauties.  The  same  combination  of  objects,  viewed  under 
a  change  of  external  circumstances,  forms  completely  a  new 
scene,  and  possesses  an  appropriate  charm  ;*  inasmuch  as  it 
is  the  same  and  yet  different.  This  consideration  unfolds  an 
almost  endless  diversity  of  effect,  to  be  observed  and  enjoyed 
by  the  mind  which  loves  to  investigate  the  varieties  of  which 
such  prospects  are  susceptible.  This  double  source  of  variety, 
sometimes  occasioned  by  actual  change  of  the  principal  ob- 
ject in  the  landscape,  and  sometimes  only  by  a  change  of  at- 
tendant circumstances,  affords  strong  evidence  that  the  Cre- 
ator, in  all  his  works,  appears  to  delight  in  a  profusion  of  that 
display  of  contrivance,  skill,  and  diversity,  which  teaches  the 
creature  to  adore  his  attribute  of  Omnipotence.  But  it  does 
more  :  it  leads  to  the  contemplation  of  that  which  declares, 
that  '  God  is  here  !'  The  delight  with  which  a  Christian 
traces  the  finger  of  God,  in  the  midst  of  a  tine  prospect,  does 
not  merely  arise  from  the  admiration  of  divine  power  and  con- 
trivance ;  nor  from  his  own  quick  sense  of  beautiful  and  sub- 
lime imagery ;  nor  from  his  deduction  of  cause  and  effect, 
which  natural  philosophy  traces  in  the  history  of  earth, 
air,  fire,  and  water.  He  sees  all  this,  it  is  true,  and  ho- 
nors God  in  it.  But  he  also  sees,  that  in  the  whole  of  this 
complexity  of  wonder,  this  harmony  of  created  existence, 
there  is  a  purpose  of  benevolence.  The  diversified  joys  of 
the  landscape  all  concentrate  in  the  joy  of  devotion.  It  is 
the  love  of  God  to  man  which  tills  the  scenery  with  beauty 
and  delight ;  it  is  the  love  of  God  which  adapts  the  mind  of 
man  to  this  peculiar  capacity  of  intellectual  enjoyment. 
Whether  the  Christian's  survey  of  nature  partakes  of  the 
skill  of  the  artist,  the  energy  of  the  poet,  the  science  of 
the  philosopher, — let  his  enjoyment  arise  from  any  or  from 
all  of  these  sources, — this  is  the  crowning  consideration,  that 
these  delights  are  given  him  of  God,  and  are  an  evidence  of 
God's  love  to  him.  This  leads  him  to  reflect  on  his  own  cha- 
racter as  a  fallen  sinner,  yet  still  the  object  of  such  incom- J 
prehensible  mercy.  J 
"  Under  the  impression  of  all  these  powerful  emotions,  htl 
bursts  forth  into  the  pious  reflection  ;  '  What  is  man,  O  Lord,^ 
that  thou  art  thus  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of  man,  that 
thou  so  regardest  him.'  Nor  can  he  refrain  from  exclaiming 
— '  O  Lord  our  God,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the 
aarth  !'  " 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


213 


We  subjoin  another  reflection,  as  he  surveyed  the  beautiful 
Lake  of  Windermere,  from  above  the  town  of  Bowness,  where 
it  first  breaks  upon  the  sight. 

"  Was  Paradise  more  enchanting  than  this  ?  Did  the  Lord 
put  our  first  parents  into  a  garden  more  exquisitely  beautiful 
than  that  before  me  ?  Could  the  river,  which  watered  the 
plains  and  valleys  of  Eden, — could  the  ground  out  of  which 
grew  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight  and  good  for 
food,  present  a  more  lovely  sight  than  this  ?  That  Paradise  is 
vanished  from  mortal  sight  and  possession  ;  but,  through  the 
Redeemer,  a  brighter  and  immortal  Paradise  is  regained ;  and 
the  believer  may  see  it  emblematically  and  substantially  re- 
presented to  him,  in  his  spiritual  enjoyment  of  such  an  earthly 
Paradise  as  the  vale  and  mountains  of  Windermere." 

As  he  passes  through  the  churchyard  of  Bowness,  towards 
the  Lake,  he  remarks  :  — 

"  A  country  churchyard  is  ever  an  interesting  object ;  but 
in  such  a  situation  as  this,  many  new  ideas  are  excited,  which 
add  greatly  to  contemplative  affections.  On  entering  it,  I  was 
immediately  struck  by  seeing  a  newly  erected  tombstone,  at 
the  east  end  of  the  churchyard,  on  which  is  inscribed  the 
name  of  Richard  Watson,  late  Bishop  of  Llandaff*,  who  passed 
a  large  portion  of  the  latter  part  of  his  life  at  a  beautiful  man- 
sion on  the  banks  of  Windermere  :  he  died,  aged  81.  It  was 
near  this  very  day  twelvemonths  that  I  held  a  conversation 
with  him,  as  he  sat  in  his  carriage,  at  Ambleside." 

Mr.  Richmond,  having  received  frequent  invitations  to  visit 
Scotland,  and  being  no  less  desirous  himself  of  cultivating  a 
personal  intercourse  with  many  valuable  characters  in  that 
country,  was  induced,  in  the  year  1818,  to  fulfil  his  long. me- 
dilated  project.  The  introduction  of  the  Jewish  subject  af- 
forded  a  favorable  opportunity  ;  though  it  was  to  be  expected 
that  the  sphere  of  exertion  would  be  somewhat  contracted 
to  an  Episcopalian  pleader  of  that  cause.  We  are  in  posses- 
sion of  very  few  notices  of  this  first  journey,  beyond  the  ac- 
companying  letters ;  but  we  are  furnished  with  more  ample 
materials  respecting  a  visit  paid  in  1820,  to  which  we  shall  in 
due  time  direct  the  attention  of  the  reader. 

Edinburgh,  July  17,  1818. 
*'  My  dear  Mary, — The  respect,  regard,  friendship,  and 
affection  with  which  both  myself  and  my  cause  are  received, 
in  every  place,  by  the  religious  people  in  Scotland,  constitute 
a  feature  in  my  life  never  to  be  forgotten.    My  whole  mind 
19 


214 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


is  d-eeply  busied  in  meditations  upon  the  goodness  and 
love  of  God.  lean  liardly  expect  to  interest  your  mind  in- 
all  the  niimitio)  of  my  hourly  intercourse  ;  but  I  believe  your 
eyes  would  be  often  filled  with  tears  of  gratitude,  if  you  saw 
and  heard  all  which  I  see  and  hear. 

"  jDelicate  and  difficult  as  the  task  is  which  I  have  to  per- 
form, as  an  Episcopal  missionary  in  this  Presbyterian  land, 
I  seemed  to  have  succeeded  beyond  hope  ;  and  I  am  laying 
the  first  foundation  ef  a  building,  in  which,  if  Providence  per- 
mit and  spare  me,  I  shall  hereafter  feel  much  interested,  v,nd 
the  cause  of  God,  I  trust,  be  effectually  promoted.  But 
think  not,  my  loved  Mary,  that  amidst  the  bustle  of  mis- 
sionary arrangements,  conversations,  speeches,  and  ser- 
mons ;  nor  amidst  the  wonders  and  beauties  of  mountains, 
lakes,  cascades,  rocks,  glens,  plains,  rivers,  trosacks,  and 
woods,  I  forget  my  dear,  dear  domestic  circle  at  home.  You 
are  all  unceasingly  before  my  eyes  ;  and  the  family  group 
mingles  with  every  scene  I  behold,  and  every  undertaking 
v/herein  I  am  concerned ;  and  often  I  see  my  dear  wife  anx- 
iously and  diligently  pursuing  the  duties  of  her  statio^f, — smil- 
ing on  the  babe,  or  listening  to  the  juvenile  tales  which  a 
Catherine  or  a  Legh  may  be  able  to  read  or  to  spell  ;  or  tak- 
ing your  v/alk,  during  this  beautiful  weather,  in  the  fields. 
Or  1  see  you  on  your  knees,  praying  for  grace  to  enable  you 
to  act  with  judgment  in  all  things  ;  and  supplicating  mercies 
on  your  husband,  as  he  journeys  by  land  or  by  water.  Our 
prayers  meet.  What  a  favour  to  enjoy  health,  safety,  and 
comfort,  in  all  my  wanderings  ; — and  to  be  permitted  to  see 
the  cause  of  God  flourishing  in  a  tbreign  land,  or  rather,  in 
so  distant  a  part  of  our  own  !'' 

"  My  wish  is,  that  my  loved  and  honored  wife  may  receive 
this  on  our  wedding-day.  If  posts  occasion  a  failure,  let  the 
will  be  accepted  for  the  deed.  My  desire  is  to  express  to 
you  on  that  day,  (an  anniversary  most  dear  to  my  heart) 
some  little  portion  of  that  love  and  honor  which  I  bear  to- 
wards  you  ;  and  to  assure  you,  that  a  distance  of  four  hun- 
dred miles,  and  a  most  active  and  unceasing  train  of  business, 
impair  not,  but  rather  enhances,  the  feelings  of  my  heart  to- 
wards you  and  our  dear  children.  Scenes,  indeed,  of  a  na- 
tural, moral,  and  spiritual  character  are  passing  here  before 
me  in  striking  succession,  far  beyond  what  I  can  express  ; 
but  I  trust  they  are  ripening  for  domestic  good  ;  and  I  never 
felt  more  than  now  that  great  benefits  to  myself  and  to  others 


EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


215 


are  originating  in  my  missionary  excursions.  God  only  knows 
"what  I  have  felt  on  my  reception  in  Scotland,  as  connected 
with  my  tracts  and  sermons.  I  am  surprised,  gratified,  and 
•humbled. 

•  "  A  leading  feature  in  my  late  transactions  has  been  de- 
rived from  visits  to  Sunday  and  other  schools,  where,  after 
hearino^the  children  examined,  I  have  addressed  them.  In 
every  instance  they  have  made  juvenile  collections  for  the 
Jewish  children.  On  Sunday  last  I  visited  a  school  of  two 
hundred  children.  It  was  the  half  yearly  day  for  distributing 
reward  books.  The  sixty  most  deserving  scholars  were  to 
receive  '  the  Young  Cottager'  as  their  reward.  Three  of 
them  had  already  been  blessed,  some  time  ago,  in  hearing  it 
read  at  schoel.  1  was  requested  to  present  each  child  with 
a  tract,  as  they  were  successively  brought  up  to  me,  in  pre- 
sence of  about  two  hundred  grown-up  persons  of  all  ranks. 
It  was  a  most  solemn  and  affecting  scene.  The  gentleman 
who  manages  the  school  offered  up  a  most  affecting  thanks- 
giving for  the  good  which  had  attended  the  distribution  of  my 
tracts  throughout  Scotland,  and  in  his  school  in  particular, 
and  for  the  opportunitj^  now  afforded  of  introducing  me  per- 
sonally to  so  many  children,  '  who  had  long  loved  me  with  all 
their  hearts.'  Immediately  all  the, company  and  all  the  chil- 
dren sang  a  thanksgiving  hymn.  Then  followed  what  affected 
me  greatly.  The  children  were  drawn  up  in  a  triple  semi- 
circle, in  the  centre  of  which  I  stood.  Each  successful  can- 
didate  successively  stepped  forward  and  received  from  my 
hand  a  '  Young  Cottager,'  and  from  my  lips  a  short  exhorta- 
tion and  blessing.  Not  an  eye  was  dry,  and  my  own  with 
difficulty  allowed  me  to  go  through  the  simple  and  interesting 
ceremony.  One  girl,  who  was  two  j^ears  since  converted 
by  God's  blessing  on  the  tract,  as  she  approached  me,  was  so 
affected,  that  she  dropped  on  her  knees  and  burst  into  tears. 

"  At  another  female  school  which  I  visited,  there  was  a 
class  of  thirty  dear  little  girls,  all  of  five  and  six  years  old, 
who  underwent  the  most  interesting  examination  I  ever  wit- 
nessed. A  monitor  of  eight  years  examined,  and  all  the 
thirty  little  lambs  replied  at  once  in  simple  orderly  expres- 
sions,  as  if  but  one  had  spoken  ;  and  thus  also  they  repeated 
hymns,  and  at  last  united  in  singing  one.  They  then  grouped 
around  the  chair  where  I  stood,  and  where  I  addressed  about 
one  hundred  and  eighty  of  all  ages.  The  affectionate  fare- 
wells which  I  have  received  from  Jiumerous  classes  of  friends 
accompanied  by  the  most  earnest  entreaties  that  1  will  repeat 


216 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


my  visits  among  them,  affect  me  beyond  any  thing  1  have  ever 
witnessed." 

My  dear  Boy, — Were  I  to  attempt  to  describe  the  beau- 
ties of  the  Highlands  of  Scotland  to  you,  I  shDuld  be  much  at 
a  loss.  Whether  my  subject  were  the  grand  mountains,  with 
snow  still  on  their  tops  ;  or  the  magnificent  water-falls,  amidst 
rocks,  and  glens,  and  woods  ;  or  the  noble  rivers  and  roman- 
lie  brooks,  winding  through  fruitful  plains  or  hills  ;  or  the  fine 
lakes,,  expanding  their  bosoms  to  the  clouds,  which  they  re- 
flect from  their  surfaces  ; — whether.!  were  to  write  from  the 
splendid  mansion  and  grounds  of  a  Highland  chief ;  or  the 
lowly,  smoke-dried  cottage  of  a  Highland  peasant; — whether 
the  ruined  castle  or  abbey,  or  the  neat  modern  parish  church, 
were  the  subject  of  my  description,  I  could  say  much,  yet  not 
enough.  Here  I  am,  amidst  the  unexampkd  and  wild  beau- 
ties of  the  Trosacks,  on  the  banks  of  Loch  Katrine  !  TJiere 
is  the  glen  down  which  Fitz-James  hurried  from  the  moun- 
tains, when  he  lost  his  way  ;  there  is  the  island  of  the  Lady 
of  the  Lake,  from  whence  she  put  forth  her  little  skiff,  at  the 
sound  of  the  echoing  horn.  There  is  the  great  mountain  of 
Benvenu,  springing  up  from  the  lake  to  the  clouds  :  there  is 
his  brother  Benan,  with  Benean,  and  Benhaum,  and  Benledi, 
and  Benvoirlich,  and  Beneen,  and  many  more  lofty  beins 
(m.ountains,)  surrounding  this  most  lovely  lake.  Here  is  the 
Goblin's  Hole;  and  the7'e  the  spot  where  the  last  of  the 
couriers  of  Roderic  Dhu  was  slain.  In  all  the  scene  subli- 
mity reigns  ;  and  above  all,  God  reigns  in  it  also." 

"  My  dear  F  ,  I  was  unspeakably  gratified  at  New- 

castle,  in  seeing  two  little  girls,  one  of  ten,  the  other  of  twelve, 
the  spiritual  fruits  of  my  '  Young  Cottager  ;'  the  latter  of  the 
two  I  had  not  seen  before.  I  never  before,  except  in  the  case 
of  '  Little  Jane'  herself,  saw  so  clear  and  so  early  an  instance 
of  decided  grace,  and  of  a  truly  enlightened  mind  :  you  would 
have  thought  her  conversation  equal  to  eighteen  at  least.  I 
apprehend  that  I  have  become  acquainted  with  above. thirty 
cases  of  decided  usefjjlness  in  youth,  from  that  tract,  since  I 
came  into  the  North.  Oh  !  what  a  mercy  !  In  this,  *  good- 
ness indeed  follows  me.' 

"  My  visit  to  Scotland  has  been  marked  by  more  affection 
and  usefulness  than  any  I  ever  made  ;  numerous  public  and 
private  occurrences  overwhelm  me  with  gratitude.  The  Scot- 
tish  scenery  is  of  the  very  first  class.  Whatever  is  beautiful, 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


217 


whatever  is  grand,  whatever  is  wild  and  romantic, — all  are  to 
be  found  in  almost  unlimited  variety  of  display.  Noble  rivers, 
lakes,  and  waterfalls,  picturesque  hills  and  mountains,  lovely 
land  and  sea  views,  fine  towns  and  buildings, — all  speaking 
the  goodness,  power,  and  wisdom  of  God !  The  marks  of 
affection,  regard,  and  esteem,  with  which  I  was  received,  far 
exceed  what  I  have  ever  witnessed  ;  and  I  have  reason  to 
believe  much  actual  good  has  been  done  to  many  individuals, 
while  I  was  there." 

The  following  letters  express  his  sentiments  on  the  subject 
of  Oratorios,  on  which  he  seems  to  have  held  a  most  decided 
opinion.  No  man  was  ever  more  truly  fond  of  music  than 
himself,  and  especially  in  its  application  to  devotional  pur- 
poses.  Such  is  the  professed  object  of  Oratorios  ;  and  the 
sublime  compositions  of  those  great  masters  in  this  science, 
Handel  and  Haydn,  certainly  carry  its  powers  to  almost  the 
highest  degree  of  perfection.  The  principle  then,  itself,  in  its 
pure  and  legitimatv:  application,  must  ever  be  considered  as 
subservient  to  the  interests  of  piety.  It  is,  therefore,  the 
abuse  of  this  principle,  and  the  mode  in  which  Oratorios  are 
generally  conducted,  that  excited  the  apprehension  of  Mr. 
Richmond,  as  to  their  possible  influence  on  his  own  children. 
The  worldly  associations  connected  with  what  is  otherwise  a 
source  of  high  gratification  to  a  scientific  and  devotional  mind, 
constituted,  in  his  estimation,  an  insuperable  objection  to  these 
festivals.  As  a  difference  of  opinion  is  known  to  exist  in  the 
religious  world  on  this  subject,  we  feel  happy  in  exhibiting  Mr. 
Richmond's  sentiments,  in  the  following;  letter  to  his  wife. 

''Edinburgh,  Aug.  25,  ]S\n. 
My  very  dear  Mary, — The  approaching  grand  musical 
festival,  to  be  held  at  Edinburgh,  about  the  same  week  with 
that  at  Northampton,  occasions  almost  daily  discussion  in 
every  party  where  we  are  visiting  ;  and  there  is  but  one  feel- 
ing amongst  all  our  Christian  friends, — that  no  serious  and 
consistent  Christian  will  go.  Mary,"*"  of  course,  hears  nothing 
from  either  her  father's  lips,  or  from  those  of  all  his  estimable 
friends  on  this  side  of  the  Tweed,  but  determined  objections 
to  the  whole  plan,  its  accompaniments,  its  gayety,  its  dissipa- 
tion, its  ensnaring  character,  and  its  inconsistericy  with  every 
principle  of  nonconformity  to  the  world.    Neither  she  nor  I 

His  eldest  daughter,  who  accompanied  him  during  his  tour  to  Scotland. 

19* 


218 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


could  appear  again  in  Scotland,  in  a  religious  and  much  less 
in  a  missionary  character,  if  we  were  to  be  present  at  these 
amusements.  How,  then,  can  I  do  otherwise,  which  from  my 
heart  I  sincerely,  seriously,  and  deliberately  must,  than  con- 
demn the  same  thing,  as  it  concerns  dear  F  . 

I  have  never  had  but  one  opinion  on  the  subject  of  these 
prostitutions  of  religion  and  music,  at  these  theatrical,  and,  a» 
I  think,  unwarrantable  medleys.  I  wish  you  had  the  good 
sentiments  of  dear  John  Newton,  on  the  public  Oratorio  of  the 
*  Messiah,'  at  hand.  I  deeply  lament  that  any,  who,  in  other 
respects,  so  justly  deserve  the  name  of  consistent  Christians, 
should  so  little  fathom  the  corruptions  of  their  own  hearts^ 
and  be  so  insensible  to  the  dangerous  tendency  of  public 
amusements  which  unite  all  the  levity  of  the  world  with  the 
professed  sanctity  of  religious  performances.  Think  not  that 
I  blame  any  one  but  myself,  for  not  long  since  making  my 
sentiments  on  this  ensnaring  subject  better  known  to  those  sa 
near  and  dear  to  me.  It  is  somewhat  singular,  that  I  should^,  ' 
with  many  Christian  friends  of  all  ranks  in  Edinburgh  and 
Scotland,  be  making  a  firm  stand  against  the  principle  and 
the  practice  of  a  musical  festival  held  here,  at  the  very  time 
that  I  must  also  make  as  firm  a  stand  against  the  same  tiling 
in  the  South.  It  is  contrary  to  every  feeling  I  can  entertain 
on  the  subject.  We  have  forsworn  all  these  things  on  prin- 
ciple ;  and  what  is  religious  character  and  credit  worth,  if 
consistency  is  to-  be  sacrificed  ?  Numerous  as  my  faults  and 
errors  may  be,  I  hope  to  be  preserved  from  ever  deliberately 
consenting  that  my  children,  of  whatever  age,  should  enter 
into  societies,  intimacies,  or  amusements,  which  I  deem  for- 
bidden, so  as  to  wound  my  conscience. 

"  I  write  with  the  most  affectionate  feelings  of  a  husband, 
a  father,  and  a  Christian  ;  and  at  this  distance,  we  must  not 
encounter  the  chance  of  reciprocal  uneasiness,  from  any  du^ 
bious  discussion.  I  will  only  add,  that  I  have  not  the  least 
objection  to  dear  Mrs.  M.  knowing  my  whole  mind  on  the 
subject,  which  is,  and  has  been  for  many  years,  perfectly  de- 
cided.  God  will  ever  bless  those  who  sacrifice  worldly  in- 
terest to  pure  conscientious  motives  :  I  have  no  fears  on  that 
head. 

"  Our  journey  is  very  active,  and  full  of  mercies.  I  con- 
clude that  Mary  tells  you  of  the  beauties  and  kindness  of  Sco- 
tia. She  is  here  forming  truly  Christian  acquaintances  and 
friendships.  I  pray  for,  and  think  of  you  much.  God  bless  you ' 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


219 


Take  this  as  the  hearty  prayer  and  desire  of  your  affection, 
ate  L.  Richmond." 

The  same  subject  is  thusresum  ed,  in  a  letter  addressed  to 
an  active  friend  of  the  Tract  Society  : — 

"  I  can  truly,  deliberately,  and  conscientiously  add  to  the 
testimony  of  my  friend  Pellatt,  that  I  do  consider  the  ordinary 
musical  festivals,  conducted  as  they  are,  amid  a  strange  med- 
ley of  wanton  confusion  and  most  impure  mixtures,  as  highly 
delusive,  fascinating,  and  dangerous  to  youth.  I  consider  the 
Oratorio  performances  in  churches,  as  a  solemn  mockery  of 
God,  and  forbidden  by  the  clear  principles  of  the  Gospel. 
The  makir=g  the  most  sacred  and  solemn  subjects  which  hea- 
ven ever  revealed  to  man,  even  to  the  Passion  of  Christ  him- 
self  on  the  cross,  a  matter  for  the  gay,  critical,  undevout  re- 
creation of  individuals,  who  avowedly  assemble  for  any  pur- 
pose but  that  of  worship  ;  and  who,  if  they  did,  could  hardly 
pretend  that  it  were  very  practicable  in  such  company,  and 
on  such  an  occasion,  I  do  from  my  heart  believe  to  be  highly 
offensive  to  God.  Playhouse  actors  and  singers  (frequently 
persons  of  exceptionable  character,)  are  hired,  supported,  ap- 
plauded, and  almost  idolized,  in  these  exhibitions,  and  encour- 
aged  to  persevere  in  their  immoral  and  dangerous  profession. 
Vice  rides  triumphantly  in  such  proceedings.  I  am  happy  to 
say,  that  in  case  of  the  festival  at  Edinburgh,  none  of  the  se- 
rious people,  either  ministers  or  laymen,  have  countenanced 
it  with  their  presence :  excepting  two  clergymen,  one  of  whom 
left  the  Oratorio  in  the  midst  of  the  performance,  shocked  and 
confounded  at  the  abuse  of  holy  things,  and  ashamed  of  being 
found  there  ;  the  other  is  deemed  by  all  his  brethren  to  have 
acted  very  wrongly,  and  to  have  countenanced  much  evil. 
The  spirit  of  the  world,  the  pride  of  life,  the  lust  of  the  eye, 
all  enter  into  these  public  gayeties  ;  and  their  false  pretensions 
to  partial  sacredness,  only  render  them  more  objectionable. 
If  young  people  do  not  learn  this  lesson  early,  they  will  great- 
ly suffer  in  all  hope  of  their  spirituality.  The  less  they  may 
now  in  the  infancy  of  their  Christian  state,  see  and  feel  this, 
the  more  dangerous  it  is  to  yield  to  their  ignorance  and  inex- 
perience. What  is  morally  and  religiously  wrong,  can  never 
become  right  through  the  error  of  youth.  And  it  would  be  a 
strange  departure  from  every  moral  and  religious  principle,  to 
say — '  I  know  an  act  to  be  wrong  in  itself,  but  my  child  has 
not  grace  enough  to  see  it  as  I  do  ;  therefore,  I  may  lawfully 


220 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


permit  him  to  do  what  I  know  to  be  wrong.  Would  not  this 
open  a  door  to  every  species  of  sin  and  error  ? 

"  As  to  examples  of  good  people  : — Sin  does  not  cease  to 
be  sin,  because  some  good  people  unhappily  fall  into  the 
snares  which  the  great  enemy  of  souls  spreads  for  their  delu- 
sion.  It  is,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  lamentation,  that  good  men 
err  so  deplorably,  and  thereby  countenance  what,  eventually, 
their  principles  condemn,  and  what  they  may  some  day  have 
deep  cause  to  regret. 

"  No  man  in  England  loves  music, — sacred  music, — better 
than  I  do  ;  therefore  my  sacrifice  to  principle  and  conscience 
is  far  greater  than  that  of  many  others.  I  ought  to  have  the 
greater  credit  for  my  self-denial ;  but  I  dare  not  countenance 
sin  and  danger,  because  it  is  clothed  in  the  bewitching  garb  of 
good  music  and  pretended  sanctity.  '  Let  not  my  soul  come 
into  their  assembly  !'  Tender  and  affectionate  husband  and 
father  as  I  hope  I  am,  however  I  may  someti^ries  be  misap- 
prehended, and  consequently  sorry  to  interfere  with  the  com- 
fort of  those  most  near  and  dear  to  me  ;  yet  I  rejoice  from  my 
heart,  in  having  prevented  the  sanctioning  any  part  of  so  pro- 
miscuous and  unjustifiable  a  medley,  by  the  attendance  of  any 
of  the  members  of  my  dear  family ;  and  they  will  one  day 
thank  me.  When  the  object  is  avowedly  an  act  of  worship, 
all  is  right,  let  who  will  sing  and  play  ;  but  when  it  is  avowed, 
ly  an  act  of  amusement,  religion,  rightly  felt  and  understood, 
fjrbids  the  profane  performance  of  singing. men  and  singing- 
women,  trifling  with  the  things  that  belong  to  our  everlasting 
peace,  and  turning  them  into  mockery." 

Leaving  these  remarks  to  the  judgment  and  conscience  of 
the  reader,  we  now  return  to  the  course  of  our  narrative. 

Allusions  have  been  made,  in  a  preceding  part  of  this  Me- 
moir, to  Mr.  Richmond's  mother.  Her  maternal  care  in  the 
days  of  his  childhood,  her  early  endeavors  to  instil  into  his 
mind  the  principles  of  religion,  and  the  interest  she  manifest- 
ed in  some  of.  the  subsequent  events  of  his  history,  have  been 
incidentally  mentioned.  She  died  in  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1819.  But  before  we  enter  upon  the  account  of  her 
decease,  we  shall  introduce  a  brief  memoir,  from  the  pen  of 
Mr.  Richmond,  in  which  the  history  of  his  family  is  so  inter- 
woven with  his  own  earlier  years,  as  to  form  a  kind  of  epi- 
sode, which  we  have  no  doubt  will  interest  the  reader  by  the 
simple  and  affecting  character  of  its  details.  It  is  addressed 
to  his  children,  as  a  memorial  of  the  virtues  of  his  mother  ; 
while  his  execution  of  it  is  no  less  a  memorial  of  his  own. 


REV.   LEGH  BICHMOND.  *  221 

This  little  piece  will  appropriately  form,  by  itself,  the  sub« 
ject  of  our  next  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  Tribute  of  affectionate  veneration  for  the  memory  of  a  deceased -Motfter  ; — in  :% 
'  series  of  Letters  to  his  Children.    By  the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond,' 

LETTER  I. 

"  My  beloved  Children, — The  affecting  summons  which  I 
so  lately  and  unexpectedly  received,  to  pay  the  .la&t  act  of 
duty  and  love  to  the  remains  of  my  invaluable  and  revered 
parent,  has  impressed  my  mind  with  a  strong  desire  to  leave 
some  memorial  of  her  character,  for  your  sakes,  and  for  your 
instruction. 

•  "  I  am  just  returned  from  the  grave  of  one  whom  a  thou^ 
sand  tender  recollections  endeared  to  every  faculty  of  my 
soul  ;  and  I  wish  to  preserve  soniething  of  that  solemnity  of 
feeling,  and  gratitude  of  heart,  which  such  a  scene  was  cal- 
culated  to  inspire.  How  can  I  better  do  this,  than  by  en- 
deavoring to  convey  those  emotions  to  your  bosoms,  through 
the  medium  of  an  epistolary  communication,  devoted  to  an 
affectionate  retrospect  of  the  character  and  disposition  of  the 
deceased  ?  I  feel  myself,  as  it  were,  a  debtor  to  two  genera- 
tions, between  whom  I  now  stand,  as  the  willing,  though 
feeble  and  unworthy  agent,  by  whom  benefits  and  consola- 
tions,  derived  from  the  one,  may  be  transferred  for  the  lasting 
advantage  of  the  other.  The  solid  character  of  her  religious 
principles,  the  superiority  of  her  mental  attainments,  and  the 
singularly  amiable  deportment  by  which  she  was  distinguish, 
ed,  constitute  powerful  claims  to  your  regard.  If  any  addi. 
tional  plea  were  needed,  I  would  derive  it  from  the  deep  and 
affectionate  interest  which  she  took  in  whatever  concerned 
your  welfare,  both  spiritual  and  temporal  ;  from  the  prayers 
which  she  daily  offered  up  to  the  throne  of  mercy,  for  your 
happiness ;  and  from  the  unceasing  watchfulness  and  anxiety 
which  she  manifested  for  your  progress  in  every  good  word 
and  work. 

"  Although  she  was  far  separated  from  you,  by  the  distance 
of  her  residence  from  our  own,  and  the  opportunities  of  per- 
sonal intercourse  were  thereby  greatly  restricted ;  yet  her  most 
tender  and  sacred  affections  were  ever  near  tome  and  mine. 
We  occupied  her  daily  thoughts  and  her  nightly  meditations  ; 


222  •  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

and  now  that  she  is  gone  to  rest,  and  her  heart  can  no  longer 
beat  with  mortal  anxieties,  it  is  highly  becoming  tliat  we  who 
loved  her,  and  whom  she  so  ardently  loved,  should  give  a  con- 
sistency to  our  affection  for  such  a  parent,  by  a  grateful  in- 
quiry into  those  qualities  of  head  and  heart  with  which  God 
so  eminently  blessed  her. 

"  There-  is  a  solitary  tree,  underneath  which,  by  her  own 
desire,  she  lies  buried,  in  Lancaster  churchyard.  I  feel  a 
wish,  if  I  may  be  allowed  for  a  moment  to  employ  the  image- 
ry, to  pluck  a  branch  from  this  tree  that  waves  over  her 
tomb  ;  to  transplant  it  into  my  own  domestic  garden,  and 
there  behold  it  flourish,  and  bring  forth  '  fruit  unto  holiness.' 
I  would  gladly  encourage  a  hope  that  this  wish  may  be  realiz- 
ed in  you,  my  children,  and  that  such  intercourse  v/ith  the 
dead  may  indeed  prove  a  bles.ing  to  the  living. 

"But  this  can  be  expected  only  in  dependence  on  the  free 
and  undeserved  mercy  of  that  God  and  Saviour,  in  whom  your 
venerable  grandmother  trusted  ;  and  '  whom  to  know  is  life 
eternal.'  Whatever,  therefore,  of  domestic  narrative  ;  what- 
ever of  earnest  exhortation  to  yourselves;  or  whatever  of  re- 
mark upon  the  interesting  qualities  of  the  subject  of  this  me- 
moir may  intermingle  with  my  present  address, — keep  invari- 
ably in  mind,  that, my  great  objects,  as  it  concerns  her,  and 
you,  and  myself,  is  to  give  glory  to  God  alone  ;  and  in  the 
deepest  humiliation  of  heart,  to  look  up  to  Him  as  the  sole 
fountain  of  excellence. 

"  In  addressing  you  on  such  a  subject,  my  children,  it  is 
natural  that  I  should  reflect  on  the  varieties  of  age  and  cir- 
cumstance in  which  you  are  placed.  Even  in  point  of  your 
number,  I  can  hardly  pronounce  it  without  some  degree  of  fear 
and  trembling.  Ten  immortal  souls  —souls  allied  to  my  own, 
by  ties  inexpressibly  tender,  and  inviolably  dear  ; — souls  com- 
mitted to  my  charge,  not  only  as  a  minister,  but  also  as  a  pa- 
rent, '  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  V  has  been  the  secret 
cry  of  many  a  minister  and  many  a  parent.  In  each  of  these 
relations,  I  wish  to  apply  that  divine  promise  to  my  heart, 
*  our  sufficiency  is  of  God.'  I  have  long  cherished  a  hope, 
founded  on  another  gracious  intimation  of  His  will  to  those 
who  love  and  fear  him, — '  The  promise  is  unto  you  and  to 
your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off",  even  as  many  as 
the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.'  Supported  by  these  consolations, 
it  has  been  my  aim  to  bring  you  up  in  the  nurture  and  admo- 
nition of  the  Lord,  and  to  train  up  my  children  in  the  right 
way  ;  trusting,  that  if  they  live  to  be  old,  they  will  not  depart 


/ 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND.  223 

from  it.  Yet  sometimes  the  anxious  fear  connected  with  a 
survey  of  the  world  in  which  you  are  placed, — its  vanities 
and  its  vices, — its  delusions  and  its  dangers,  will  force  itself  on 
ray  thoughts.  I  have  lived  to  see,  in  other  families,  some  of 
their  buds  of  promise  blighted,  through  the  baneful  and  infec- 
tious intluence  of  corrupt  associations.  I  have  seen  what  ha- 
voc the  pomps  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world,  the  sinful 
justs  of  the  flesh,  and  the  wiles  of  the  devil,  have  made  in 
many  a  household.  I  have  v.'itnessed  the  sorrows,  and  have 
mingled  mine  with  the  tears  of  my  friends,  when  they  have 
spoken  of  the  wanderings  and  misconduct  of  some  of  their  chil- 
dren :  and  then,  I  have  occasionally  trembled  for  my  own  little" 
flock.  But  I  feel  it,  at  the  same  time  to  be  both  my  privilege 
and  my  duty  to  use  this  very  solicitude  for  a  higher  and  nobler 
purpose  than  despondency  and  unbelief  would  suggest.  These 
anxious  affections  are  planted  in  the  paternal  heart,  and  mani- 
festly ordained  of  God,,  as  incentives  to  caution  and  stimulants 
to  prayer.  As  such,  I  would  employ  them  for  your  sakes  ;  I 
would  thereby  the  more  assiduously  teach  you  to  '  abhor  that 
which  is  evil,  and  cleave  to  that  which  is  good  :'  and  above  all, 
I  would  with  the  more  earnestness  and  dependence  on  the 
covenant  grace  of  God,  present  your  mortal  and  immortal  in- 
terests, in  supplication  to  Him  who  hath  said,  'the  promise  is 
unto  you  and  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  as 
many  as  the  Lord  shall  call.' 

"  And  surely,  I  may  be  allowed  to  urge  an  excuse  for  dwell- 
ing upon  this  text,  even  in  a  way  of  literal  application.  For 
you,  my  first-born  child,  are  indeed  '  afar  off;'  and  these  pages 
may  much  mora  easily  reach  you,  amongst  your  uncertain 
journeyings  on  the  shores  or  the  waves  of  India,  than  they 
can  ever  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the  exercises  of  varied 
affection,  which  your  eventful  history  has  occasioned  us. 

"  Next  to  your  immediate  parents,  no  one  felt  so  deeply  on 
your  account  as  my  deceased  mother.  Her  prayers  and  good 
wishes  were  mingled  with  our  own,  when  we  first  committed 
you  to  the  vicissitudes  of  the  ocean,  and  the  mariner's  lot ;  and 
the  above-named  promise  was  her  support,  as  well  as  ours. 

"  As  I  stood  on  the  shore  of  the  Isle  of  Wight 'in  the  sum- 
mer of  1814,  and  watched  the  departure  of  the  ship  which 
contained  my  child,  v/ith  a  father's  eye  and  a  father's  heart, 
I  mused  over  the  past,  the  present,  and  the  future,  until  the 
shadows  of  the  night  interrupted  my  view.  One  moment  sug- 
gested,  *  my  poor  child  will  soon  be  afar  off  f  the  next,  as  it 
were,  replied,  but#the  promise  is  unto  you  and  to  your  chil- 


224 


MEMOIRS  - OF  THE 


dren,  and  to  as  many  as  are  afar  off.^  The  thought  consoled 
me  as  I  returned  homeward,  and  I  prayed  for  my  little  ones, 
that  God  would  '  speak  peace  to  you  which  were  afar  off,  and 
to  them  that  were  nigh.' 

"  And  then,  again,  my  son,  when  during  the  following  year 
we  received  the  dismal  tidings  of  the  wreck  of  your  ship, 
and  the  destruction  of  nearly  all  her  crew,  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,*  as  she  returned  on  her  voyage  from  Ceylon,  when 
among  the  six  persons  whom  alone,  out  of  360,.  Providence 
saved  from  death,  we  found  not  your  name,  we  seemed,  in  this 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  more  than  ever  to  need  the  rod 
and  the  staff  of  the  great  Shepherd  to  comfort  us.  At  that 
trying  period  the  same  promise  came  to  our  aid,  and  we  felt 
its  consoling  influence  ;  while,  like  Aaron,  when  his  sons  were 
dead,  we  held  our  peace.  And  when  afterward  it  pleased 
God,  in  the  mystery  of  his  mercies,  to  discover  to  us  our 
mistake,  and  to  prove  to  us  that  you  had  no  part  in  the  horrors 
of  this  watery  grave,  it  did  indeed  seem  once  more  fulfil, 
led, — '  this  my  son  was  dead  and  is  alive  again  ;  he  was  lost 
and  is  found.' 

*'  During  these  transitions  of  feeling,  I  cannot  express  how 
much  the  truly  scriptural  communication  of  sentiments  and 
counsel,  which  we  received  from  my  now  deceased  parent, 
contributed  to  the  encouragement  of  faith,  and  patience,  and 
gratitude.  From  that  period  till  her  death,  the  welfare  of 
my  child  'afar  off'  continued  to  lay  very  near  to  her  heart. 
'What  news  from  India?'  washer  frequent  inquiry,  and  al- 
ways  accompanied  by  the  interesting  tear  of  maternal  solici- 
tude. To  you,  therefore,  as  the  eldest  of  my  dear  filial  flock, 
I  may,  with  due  earnestness,  first  commend  this  '  tribute  of  af- 
fectionate veneration  for  the  memory  of  my  deceased  mother.' 

"  She  was  a  faithful  mother  to  us  all ;  and  I  wish  her  mem- 
ory  to  be  enshrined  in  the  grateful  recollection  of  your  heart. 
If  these  lines  are  ever  permitted  to  meet  your  perusal,  my 
son,  cherish  them  for  her  sake  and  mine. 

"From  India,  I  turn  to  my  nine  children  at  home;  and 
greet  you  with  a  father's  blessing,  as  I  present  you  with 
these  domestic  meditations,  which  I  write  for  the  sake  of 
those  of  you  who  have  enjoyed  the  opportunity  of  occasional 
intercourse  with  the  subject  of  the  memoir,  as  well  as  of  those 
whom  circumstances  never  permitted  to  know  her.  I  antici- 
pate the  time  when  even  my  last  born,  the  babe  that  cannot 


Off  Cape  Lagullas.  ^ 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


225 


yet  lisp  the  honored  name  of  'grandmother,'  shall  not  be  ig- 
norant of  her  worth,  but  shall  love  to  listen  to  the  record  of 
those  gracious  affections  with  which  God  was  pleased  to  adorn 
her;  and  perhaps,  on  some  future  day,  when  visiting  the  grave 
where  she  is  laid,  may  say,  'here  lies  one,  whom  from  my 
cradle  I  was  taught  to  love  and  honor.' 

"  But,  whilst  I  am  enumerating  '  the  olive  branches  which 
surround  my  table,'  and  '  the  children  whom  God  hath  given 
me,'  I  suddenly  feel  as  if  I  had  erred  in  my  calculations.  Is 
there  no  link  of  connexion  between  the  visible  and  invisible 
worlds  ?  no  right  of  appropriation  by  which  in  earthly  pa- 
rent may  say,  '  I  have  a  child  in  heaven  V  Yes  ;  a  sweet  little 
cherub  in  the  mansions  above  seems  to  my  imagination  to  be 
the  very  link  which  faith  and  love  would  employ  to  animate 
all  the  energies  of  my  best  affections,  when  I  look  at  my  still 
living  children,  and  contemplate  their  immortal  condition. 

"  One  of  you,  my  eleven  children,  is  in  glory, — a  lamb, 
safely  and  eternally  folded  in  the  arms  of  his  Redeemer.  He 
is  the  first  of  my  household  that  has  gone  to  his  rest.  May 
he  prove  a  pledge  for  many  to  follow  him  there,  in  God's 
own  time.  In  the  mean  time,  cherish  it  in  your  frequent  re- 
membrance,  as  an  argument  for  heavenly. mindedness,  that 
one  of  you  is  already  in  heaven.  I  may  not,  indeed,  now 
address  myself  to  hhn  ;  but  I  may  speak  of  him  to  you  :  I 
may  remind  you  of  his  epitaph,  and  of  the  Paradise  to  which 
he  belongs.  I  may  also  thus  preserve  the  sense  of  kindred 
alliance  between  the  dead  and  the  living  of  my  family,  and 
ardently  pray  for  the  perfect  and  eternal  reunion  of  them  all, 
through  grace,  in  '  the  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens.'  Such  likewise  were  the  supplications  of  her 
who  through  faith  and  patience  is  gone  to  inherit  the  promises, 
and  to  join  our  own  little  infant  in  singing  hallelujahs  'to  Him 
that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb.' 

"  In  the  cherished  anticipation  of  such  results,  from  the 
free  and  undeserved  mercies  of  redemption,  I  will  conclude 
the  present  letter,  by  subscribing  myself  your  affectionate 
father,  L.  Richmond." 

LETTER  II. 

"  My  dear  Children, — In  this  endeavor  to  delineate  a  short 
sketch  of  the  life  of  your  deceased  grandmother,  it  seems  ne- 
cessary that  I  should  give  you  some  little  information  respect- 
ing her  parentage  and  ancestry.    There  is  a  kind  of  pleasing 
20 


226 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


melaiicholy  in  recurring  to  times  now  long  past,  acpd  .to  for- 
mer  generations,  endeared  to  recollection  by  kindred  ties,  to 
which  I  cannot  feel  wholly  insensible.  A  number  of  letters, 
papers,  and  documents,  connected  with  the  early  circumstan- 
ces of  my  dear  mother's  life,  and  of  her  more  immediate  rela- 
tives and  ancestors,  lie  before  me.  While  I  peruse  them,  I 
seem  to  be  translated  to  a  former  age  ;  and  to  realize 'once 
more  scenes  and  associations  which  can  only  thus  be  revived. 
They  bring  to  my  recollection  the  friends  of  my  own  infancy 
long  since  dead,  and  the  various  domestic  relations  and 
events  of  which  they  loved  to  speak.  I  would  not  set  a 
higher  value  on  such  things  than  they  deserve  ;  nor  would  I  put 
the  mortal  genealogies  of  earth  in  even  a  momentary  com- 
petition with  the  alliance  of  'the  family  of  heaven.'  Yet,  in 
tracing  the  personal  history  of  those  whom  God  is  pleased  to 
honor  with  spiritual  blessings,  an  interest  may  lawfully  be 
excited  by  a  variety  of  minor  circumstances,  which  are  neces- 
sary to  the  connexion  of  the  story  ;  and  may  lead  to  profitable 
considerations,  when  viewed  as  the  links  of  that  chain  in  Pro- 
vidence, by  which  . the  Almighty  Father  upholds  the  destinies 
of  his  children,  and  confirms  the  counsels  of  his  will  respect- 
ing them. 

"  My  mother  was  born  at  Liverpool,  in  the  year  1736.  Her 
parents  Vere  descended  from,  and  nearly  related  to,  several 
ancient  and  respectable  families  in  the  counties  of  Lancaster 
and  Chester.  Her  father,  John  Atherton,  Esq.,  of  Walton 
Hall,  near  Liverpool,  was  descended  from  a  younger  branch 
of  the  Athertons,  of  Atherton  in  the  former  county,  who  set- 
tled at  Preston.  Of  his  character,  I  have  frequently  heard 
my  mother  speak  with  affectionate  veneration.  More  parti- 
cularly, she"  used  to  give  me  an  account  of  a  behavior  and 
conversation  on  his  death-bed,  which  seemed  to  bear  the 
characteristics  of  true  Christian  faith  and  hope.  *I  am,' 
said  he,  '  an  unworthy  sinner,  but  I  know  in  whom  I  have  be- 
lieved. I  have  nothing,  nothing  of  my  own  ;  but  Christ  is 
every  thing.  My  daughter,  the  comforts  of  dying  rest  not  in 
ihe  poor  merits  of  man,  but  in  the  sure  mercies  of  God.' 

"  Such  were  a  few  of  the  expressions  which  frequently  es- 
caped from  his  lips,  till  his  eyes  peacefully  closed  in  death. 
Such  traditional  memorials  should  be  valued  amongst  us  that 
remain ;  and  may,  by  God's  blessing,  prove  incentives  to 
follow  those  who  through  faith  and  patience  are  gone  before 
to  inherit  the  promises. 

<'Her  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Sylvester  Richmond, 


REV.   LEGH  RICH3I0ND. 


227 


Esq.'*  of  Acton  Grange  in  the  county  of  Chester,  by  Frances 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  Richard  Brook,  of  Norton  Priory, 
Baronet,  who  died  in  1710. 

Her  mind,  at  a  very  early  period,  exhibited  a  strong  in- 
clination to  the  study  of  the  best  authors.  She  was  well  versed 
iii  the  historians,  essayists,  and  poets  of  her  own  country,  and 
read  the  French  language  with  fluency.  Her  memory,  even 
at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-three,  was  well  stored  with 
the  judiciously. selected  reading  of  her  younger  ye^jrs.  She 
possessed  a  naturally  strong  judgment,  and  eximined  with 
accuracy  the  sentiments  and  the  style  of  every  book  which  she 
read.  At  a  period  when  female  education  was,  with  but  few 
exceptions,  very  feebly  directed  to  the  cultivation  of  general 
and  useful  literature  ;  when  the  romance  and  the  cookery 
book  were  too  frequently  esteemed  to  be  the  chief  requisites 
of  a  lady's  library — Miss  Atherton  was  a  constant  student 
in  almost  every  branch  of  such  learning,  as,  even  in  this 
more  cultivated  age,  would  be  deemed  advantageous  and  in- 
teresting to  the  female  mind.  In  this  she  was  encouraged  by 
both  her  parents,  who  well  understood  and  highly  valued  the 
proper  cultivation  of  the  understanding,  through  the  medium 
of  useful  literature. 

"But  with  these  attainments  there  was  no  display,  no  pe- 
dantry,  no  conceit.  If  ever  there  was  a  disposition  marked 
by  true  feminine  modesty  and  humility,  it  was  her  own.  She 
thoroughly  fulfilled  the  apostolic  injunction,  '  in  honor  prefer- 
ring one  another.'  Others,  indeed,  knew  her  value  ;  but  she 
ever  undervalued  herself.  Although  domestic  and  retired  in 
her  habits,  yet  she  mingled  with  and  adorned  a  most  respect- 
able  circle  of  relatives  and  friends,  among  whom  she  was 
justly  esteemed  as  an  approving  and  amiable  companion. 

"  From  her  childhood  she  entertained  a  deep  reverence  for 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  had  a  strong  tincture  of  piety  in  her 
disposition.  She  read  many  valuable  authors  on  religious 
subjects  :  and  though  not  at  all  times  equally  favored  with 
opportunities  of  Christian  intercourse,  which  daily  experience 
proves  to  be  so  requisite  for  decision  of  character,  yet  her 
heart  was  ever  directed  with  firmness  and  affection  towards 
serious  subjects,  which  produced  a  conscientious  integrity  of 

*  This  Sylvester  Riclioiond  was  the  son  of  Dr.  Sylvester  Richmond,  who 
settled,  andl  practised  very  successfully  as  a  pliysician,  in  the  town  of  Liver- 
pool, durincr  the  reign  of  Ciiarles  II.  His  father  was  Oliver  Richmond,  Esq. 
of  Ashton  Keynes,  in  the  county  of  Wilts,  on  wiiich  estates  his  ancestors  had 
Buccessively  resided  from  the  time  of  the  Conquest. 


228 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


mind,  distinguishable  in  her  whole  deportment.  In  the  latter 
period  of  her  life,  to  which  I  shall  soon  direct  your  chief  atten- 
tion, she  has  confessed  to  nie  that  defective  views  of  some 
primary  points  of  Christian  doctrine  pervaded  her  former  re- 
ligious sentiments.  She  most  sincerely  relied  on  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ ;  but  at  that  period  had  imperfect  views  of  tlie 
fulness  and  sufficiency  of  his  work.  She  had  acquired  very 
humbling  views  of  herself  as  a  sinner  ;  yet  these  were  not 
unmixed  with  error  and  indistinctness,  with  regard  to  the  plan 
of  divine  Acceptance.  The  commonly  received  divinity  of  that 
day,  and  the  usual  discourses  of  the  pulpit,  were  lamentably 
defective  in  many  grand  essentials  of  Christian  faith.  The 
spiritual  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  fundamental  principles 
of  the  Reformation,  were  generally  veiled  under  a  system  of 
ethics,  v/hich  however  pure  and  correct,  as  Rpart  of  the  great 
scheme  of  revelation;  j^et,  when  substituted  for  the  whole, 
loses  its  own  intrinsic  value,  while  it  robs  the  Redeemer  of 
his  honor  and  the  sinner  of  his  hope. 

Under  external  advantages  of  this  nature,  it  is  an  inter-, 
eisting  subject  of  investigation  to  trace  the  secret  and  gradual 
progress  of  the  mind  of  a  sincere  and  humble  inquirer  after 
truth,  through  the  different  stages  of  its  advancement. 

There  were  two  circumstances  which  greatly  contributed 
to  strengthen  and  direct  her  judgment  and  affections  in  re- 
ligious concerns.  Her  mother's  own  brother,  the  Rev.  Legh 
Richmond,  who  was,  first,  vicar  of  Garstang,  near  Lancaster, 
and  afterward  rector  of  Stockport,  in  Cheshire,  was  educated 
and  prepared  for  the  ministry  by  Dr.  Thomas  Wilson,  bishop 
of  Sodor  and  Man.  The  venerable  and  apostolical  character 
of  this  insular  prelate  was  by  this  connexion  brought  more 
immediately  under  Miss  Atherton's  notice.  She  also  saw 
much  of  a  similar  disposition  in  the  conduct  and  ministry  of 
his  pupil,  her  uncle.  '  Bishop  Wilson,'  to  use  the  language 
of  his  biographer,  '  was  a  man  of  most  exemplary  piety, 
charity,  and  all  Christian  graces,  who  continued  for  the  long 
course  of  fifty-seven  years,  to  perform  all  the  offices  of  a 
good  bishop  and  a  good  man.'  His  writings,  and  particularly 
his  manual  of  devotion,  entitled  '  Sacra  Privata,'  were  much 
esteemed  by  and  rendered  very  useful  to  her.  These  bene- 
fits wei^  greatly  increased  by  the  intercourse  with  her  uncle, 
whose  disposition,  attainments,  and  conduct  in  the  ministry 
not  a  little  resembled  those  of  his  excellent  tutor.. 
■  "  My  dear  mother  always  spoke  with  peculiar  gratitude  and 
veneration  of  the  advantages  which  she  received  from  the  in- 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


229 


structions  and  conversations  of  this  relative.  Her  subsequent 
marriage  with  his  son,  my  late  honored  father,  Henry  Rich- 
mond, M.  D.,  naturally  conduced  to  increase  those  sentiments 
of  respect  and  regard  which  she  had  previously  entertained, 
and  rendered  every  valuable  feature  in  his  domestic  and 
ministerial  character  doubly  dear. 

"  Another  circumstance  connected  with  the  early  period  of 
her  life,  to  which  I  have  frequently  heard  her  revert,  and  of 
which  I  find  among  her  papers  some  valuable  memorials,  was 
her  intimate  acquaintance  with  a  near  relative,  the  late  Henry 
Cornwall  Legh,  Esq.,  of  High  Legh,  in  the  county  of  Ches- 
ter.  This  gentleman  had  formed  a  valuable  intercourse  with 
the  late  Lord  Dartmouth  and  some  of  his  friends,  through 
whom  he  had  been  led  into  remarkably  solid  and  serious 
views  of  the  great  importance  of  real  religion.  I  have  often 
heard  my  mother  observe,  that  of  all  the  acquaintances  of  her 
own  age,  during  her  earlier  years,  there  was  none  with  whom 
she  found  so  much  congeniality  of  mind,  upon  religious  topics, 
as  Mr.  Legh.  Frequent  visits  which  she  made  to  the  family 
at  High  Legh,  afforded  opportunities  of  useful  conversation 
with  her  relative.  I  am  now  in  possession  of  two  manuscripts 
on  sacred  subjects,  given  to  my  mother  by  Mr.  Legh,  to  which 
she  attached  great  value,  and  of  which  she  spoke,  to  the  end 
of  her  life,  as  a  means  of  guiding  her  mind  into  clearer  views 
of  divine  truth  than  any  human  composition  which  she  had 
previously  read.  As  I  consider  these  papers  to  be  estimable 
for  their  own  sake,  as  well  as  that  of  my  mother  and  her 
friend  Mr.  Legh,  I  will  annex  part  of  them  to  this  memorial, 
and  indulge  a  hope  that  her  grandchildren  may  profit  by  the 
same  channel  of  instruction  which,  at  a  former  period,  was 
instrumental  to  the  spiritual  attainments  of  the  deceased. 

"i  have  hitherto  been  speaking  of  that  portion  of  my  dear 
parent's  life  which  was  prior  to  my  own  birth.  I  shall,  in  my 
next  letter,  write  more  immediately  from  my  own  recollection 
and  experience.  I  wish  you  to  profit  by  this  simple  domestic 
narrative.  I  feel  that  I  owe  it  to  God,  to  my  children,  and 
to  my  departed  mother,  that  you  should  become  better  ac 
quainted  with  her  now  that'she  is  dead,  than  circumstances 
permitted  while  living." 

***** 


20* 


230 


3«EM01RS  OF  THE 


LETTER  III. 

"  In  the  year  1771,  Mi&s  Atkerton  was  married  to  hex 
cousin,  Dr.  Henry  Richmond,  the  only  son  of  Rev.  Legh 
Richmond.  His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Henry  Legh, 
Esq.,  ofHigh  Legh,  in  Cheshire^  hy  Letitia,  another  daughter 
of  Sir  Richard  Brook,  Bart.,  of  Norton,  Dr.  Richmond  was 
educated  at  the  grammar-school  in  Macclesfield,  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Atkinson.  He  was  entered  at  Trinity 
College,  Cambridge,  in  the  year  1759,  and  was  elected  fellow 
of  that  society  in  1766.  He  was  originally  intended  for  the 
sacred  ministry,  and  his  father  had  considerable  hopes,  at  one 
period,  of  obtaining  the  rectory  of  Stockport  for  him  ;  but  in 
consequence  of  the  failure  of  his  expectations  in  that  point,  a 
change  took  place  in  regard  to  the  profession  which  he  adopts 
ed,  and  he  applied  himself  to  the  study  of  physic. 

"  Not  long  after  the  death  of  his  latlier,  which  took  place 
in  1769,  Dr.  Richmond  settled  as  a'physician  in  the  town  o< 
Liverpool.  At  this  period  Miss  Atherton  resided  with  her 
mother,  now  a  widow,  in  St.  Paul's  Square,  in  the  same 
town.  A  congeniality  of  principles  and  dispositions,  founded 
upon  many  valuable  qualifications  of  mind,  which  they  each 
possessed  ;  and  an  esteem  strengthened  by  the  kindred  inti- 
macy of  the  families  from  their  very  infancy,  led  to.  that  union 
which  took  place  in  1771.  Her  younger  sister  Elizabeth 
was,^  nearly,  at  the  same  time,  married  to  Michael  Nugent, 
Esq.,  of '  in  Ireland,  a  first-cousin  to  the  late  Earl  Nu- 
gent. Mrs.  Atherton  continued  to  live  with  Dr.  and  Mrs, 
Richmond  till  her  death,  which  did  not  take  place  till  about 
sixteen  years  after  the  marriage  of  her  daughters.  I  am 
the  more  minute  in  relating  these  family  occurrences  to 
you,  my  children,  because  I  am  aware  that  it  is  the  only 
channel  through  which  you  are  likely  to  obtain  them.  The 
lapse  of  time,  the  distance  and  dispersion  of  some  relatives, 
and  the  deaths  of  many  others,  gradually  throw  a  veil  over 
a  variety  of  occurrences  and  connexions,  the  remembrance 
of  which,  to  a  certain  extent,  I  wish  you  to  preserve. 

"  We  know  not  by  what  peculiar  links  in  the  chain  of  pro- 
vidence  and  grace,  it  may  please  God  to  promote  our  best  and 
dearest  interests  ;  but,  among  others,  I  would  cherish  the 
hope,  that  the  memorials  of  our  ancestry,  and  more  especially 
of  such  as,  in  their  generation,  loved  and  feared  His  holy 
name,  may  not  be  unavailing  to  their  posterity. 


HEV.   LEGH  BICHMO>'D. 


231 


I  will  now  endeavour  to  lay  before  you  a  short  review  of 
what  I  may  call  the  second  period  of  your  grandmother's  life. 
Her  conduct  during  the  single  state,  as  a  daughter,  had  been 
useful,  affectionate,  dutiful,  and  domestic.  Such  daughters, 
and  such  alone,  are  calculated  to  exhibit  those  still  brighter 
characteristics  which  attach  to  the  subsequent  relations  of 
the  wife  and  the  mother.  Let  my  children  ever  remember, 
that  in  the  ordinary  course  of  the  progress  of  a  Christian  and 
domestic  character^  the  seed  of  Iwpe  is  planted  in  childhood, 
and  the  hud  manifests  its  first  beauty  and  fragrance  in  their 
earlier  youth,  and  thence  issue  that  more  expanded  foliage, 
which  constitutes  the  ornamental  features  of  their  more  ad- 
vanced condition.  There  is  a  wise  and  beautiful  order  in  the 
mode  and  manner  of  the  dispensations  of  G-od's  grace. 

There  is  a  progressive  attainment  of  knowledge,  and  a 
growth  of  principle  in  the  hearts  of  such  as  He  is  training  up 
in  the  way  they  should  go,  which  successively  develope  as  the 
infant  advances  to.  childhood,  the  child  to  youth,  and  the  youth 
to  man.  There  is  a  preparation  of  heart  which  accompa. 
nies  this  progressive  formation  of  character.  The  affections 
and  principles  of  action  which,  under  the  divine  blessing,  have 
been  fostered  in  the  bosom  of  the  child,  to  the  furtherance  of 
the  parent's  happiness,  and  the  general  welfare  of  the  domes- 
tic circle,  are  precisely  those  which  will  hereafter  constitute 
the  solidity  and  the  loveliness  of  the  nuptial  character.  The 
difficulties  and  the  trials  of  early  life  may  have  been  fewer 
(mercifully  perhaps,  ordained  to  be  so;)  but  the  heart  that 
has  been  disciplined  in  the  school  of  filial  obedience  and 
affection  is  thus  prepared  for  future  usefulness,  and  for  the 
trial  of  faith,  love,  and  patience,  in  a  subsequently  acquired 
relation.  More  particularly  to  speak  of  the  female  charac- 
ter ; — subject  to  those  exceptions  which  the  unlimited  grace 
of  thfe  Almighty  is  sometimes  pleased  to  make  in  the  dispo- 
sitions of  individuals  at  a  more  advanced  period  of  life  ;  ex- 
ceptions which  in  no  respect  form  a  rule  for  general  con- 
clusions ;  those  who,  in  unaffected  sobriety  of  manners  and 
simple  spirituality  of  heart,  have  aimed  at  fulfilling  the  do- 
mestic  duties  of  the  daughter,  will  ever  constitute  that  truly 
honorable  class  of  women  whom  Providence  appoints  to  sus- 
tain the  more  arduous  characters  of  the  Christian  wife  and 
the  Christian  mother.  In  vain  shall  we  look  for  characters  of 
this  description  among  the  daughters  of  folly  and  fashion. 
Their  hearts  are  estranged  from  the  very  principle  of  the  do- 
mestic disposition.    Accustomed  to  the  repeated  indulger  ce 


232 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  luxurious  inclinations,  their  volatile  desires  are  ever  upon 
the  wing  in  search  of  something  new  and  gay,  that  may  sa- 
tisfy a  craving  and  disordered  appetite  for  novelties.  They 
are  *  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers  of  God.'  But,  says 
the  same  apostle,  '  she  that  liveth  in  pleasure  is  dead  while 
she  liveth.'  Beware,  my  dear  daughters,  of  such  examples  ; 
dread  their  contagion,  and,  therefore,  shun  their  society.  Pray 
that  you  may  ever  be  preserved  from  the  ensnaring  influence 
of  those  pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world  which  you  have 
solemnly  renounced  in  your  baptism.  And  let  it  be  the  com. 
fort  of  my  advancing  years  to  see  that  your  centre  of  attach, 
ment,  as  well  as  duty,  is  at  home. 

Numberless  and  invaluable  are  the  ideas  which  connect 
with  that  one  word,  home.  May  you  and  I  so  cherish  them 
by  sacred  principle  on  earth,  that  we  may  be  found  meet  for 
a  better  home  hereafter,  even  for  *  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light.'  My  dear  mother  had  been  educated  in  senti- 
ments truly  domestic  ;  her  chosen  associates  were  of  a.similar 
character, — her  parents  encouraged  them  for  conscience,  as 
well  as  for  comfort's  sake.  Her  time  and  attention  had  been 
from  her  youth  upward,  chiefly  directed  to  the  devotional  study 
of  religious  truths,  the  culture  of  useful  literature,  the  tem- 
perate pursuit  of  the  elegant  arts,  the  society  of  estimable 
friends,  and  the  well-regulated  plans  of  her  parents'  family. 
In  the  midst  of  all,  she  lived  in  constant  habits  of  prayer  ; 
and  this  consolidated  the  valuable  qualities  of  her  mind,  and 
gave  them  a  holy  tendency. 

"  With  dispositions  and  habits  thus  previously  formed,  Miss 
x^therton  entered  into  the  marriage  state.  The  following 
year  gave  birth  to  the  heart  that  dictates,  and  to  the  hand 
that  guides  my  pen. 

"  May  I  not  be  'allowed  to  pause  for  a  few  moments  over 
the  solemn  and  affecting  considerations  hereby  suggested.  I 
have  frequently  meditated  upon  the  subject  of  my  birth, 
as  connected  with  my  death  and  resurrection.  I  have  often 
contemplated  the  history  of  man,  through  its  eventful  course, 
from  the  cradle  to  the  grave  ;  and  endeavoured  to  make  the 
practical  application  to  myself.  But  I  think  1  never  felt  its 
characteristic  importance  so  powerfully,  or  at  least  so  affect- 
ingly,  as  when  I  committed  to  the  grave  the  friend,  the  nurse, 
the  protector,  the  guide  and  guardian  of  my  helpless  infancy, 
— all  summed  up  in  the  endeared  name  of  mother.  I  seemed 
to  recall  the  time,  *  when  as  yet  I  hanged  on  my  mother's 
breast ;'  and  to  revert  to  ihe  tender  anxieties  with  which  she 


EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


233 


watched  over  her  first-born  child.  And  now  a  few  short  years 
are  rolled  away,  and  how  great  the  change  !  The  eye  that 
saw,  the  ear  that  heard,  the  tongue  that  encouraged,  and  the 
arm  that  upheld  the  babe  of  her  youth,  are  mouldering  in  the 
dust  1  She  is  departed  hence,  and  is  no  more  seen  !  It  is  my 
prayer,  for  myself  and  my  loved  children,  that  we  may  so 
learn  *  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  un- 
to  wisdom.'  And  if  such  meditations  as  these  may,  through 
grace,  lead  us  to  see  more  of  the  vanity  of  the  earthly  state, 
the  value  of  time,  and  the  rapid  approach  of  eternity,  our  visit 
to  the  tomb  will  not  have  been  unprofitable. 

*'  I  well  remember,  in  the  early  dawn  of  my  expanding 
reason,  with  what  care  she  laboured  to  instil  into  my  mind  a 
sense  of  the  being  of  God,  and  of  the  reverence  which  is  due 
to  him  ;  of  the  character  of  a  Saviour,  and  his  infinite  merits  ; 
of  the  duty  of  prayer,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  ought  to  be 
offered  up  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Her  way  of  .enforcing 
these  subjects  was  like  one  who  felt  their  importance,  and 
wished  her  child- to  do  so  likewise.  First  instructed  by  her 
to  read,  I  have  not  forgotten,  in  my  Bible  lessons,  \^ith  what 
simplicity  and  propriety  she  us^  to  explain  and  comment  on 
the  word  of  God,  its  precepts,  and  examples.  These  infan- 
tine catechetical  exercises  still  vibrate  in  my  recollection,  and 
confirm  to  my  o.wh  mind  the  great  advantage  attendant  upon 
the  earliest  possible  endeavors  to  win  the  atieniion,  and 
store  the  memory  with  religious  knowledge.  Her  natural  abili- 
ties, which  were  of  a  superior  character,  'enabled  her  to  con- 
j  verse  with  a  very  little  child  with  much  effect  ;  and  there  was 
j  a  tenderness  of  affection,  united  to  a  firmness  of  manner, 
which  greatly  promoted  the  best  interests  of  a  nursery  educa- 
tion. 

j     "  My  mother  had  six  children,  three  of  whom  died  in  in- 
i  fancy.  A  very  affecting  circumstance  accompanied  the  death 
of  one  of  thehi,  and  was  a  severe  trial  to  her  maternal  feelings. 
Her  then  youngest  child,  a  sweet  little  boy,  just  two  years 
old,  was,  through  the  carelessness  of  his  nurse,  precipitated 
from  a  bed-room  window  upon  the  pavement  beneath.  I  was 
I  at  that  time  six  years  of  age,  and  happened  to  be  v/alking  on 
I  the  very  spot,  when  the  distressing  event  occurred;  I  was, 
j  therefore,  the  first  to  take  up,  and  deliver  into  our  agonized 
i  mother's  arms,  the  poor  little  sufferer.    The  head  was  frac- 
i  lured,  and  he  only  survived  the  fall  about  thirty  hours.  I 
I  still  preserve  a  very  distinct  and  lively  remembrance  of  the 
1  struggle  between  the  natural  feelings  of  the  mother,  and  the 


234 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


spiritual  resignation  of  the  Christian.  She  passed  the  sad 
interval  of  suspense  in  almost  continual  prayer,  and  found 
God  a  present  help  in  tirne  of  trouble.  Frequently,  during 
that  day,  did  she  retire  with  me  ;  and,  as  I  knelt  beside  her, 
she  uttered  the  feelings  and  desires  of  her  heart  to  God.  I 
remember  her  saying,  '  If  I  cease  praying  for  five  minutes,  I 
am  ready  to  sink  under  this  unlooked-for  distress  ;  but  when  I 
pray,  God  comforts  and  upholds  me  ;  his  will,  not  mine,  be 
done.'  Once  she  said,  '  Help  me  to  pray,  my  child:  Christ 
suffers  little  children  to  come  to  him,  and  forbids  them  not, 
— say  something.'  '  What  shall  I  say,  mamma  ? — shall  I 
fetch  a  book  V  '  Not  now,'  she  replied  :  '  speak  from  your 
heart  ;  and  ask  God  that  we  may  be  reconciled  to  his  will, 
and  bear  this  trial  with  patience.' 

The  day  after  the  infant's  death,  she  took  me  to  the  bed 
on  which  my  little  brother  lay  ;  and  kneeling  down,  she  wept 
for  a  few  minutes  in  silence  ;  and  then  taking  his  cold  hand 
in  one  of  hers,  and  mine  in  the  other,  she  said — '  Lord,  if  it 
had  not  been  thy  good  pleasure,  it  had  not  been  thus.  Thy 
will  be  done !  I  needed  this  beavy  trial,  to  show  me  more  of 
myself,  and  to  wean  me  from  the  world.  Forgive  my  sins,  O 
God  !  and  let  me  not  murmur.'  Then  looking  at  the  cherub 
countenance  of  her  babe,  she  added—'  Thou  art  not  lost,  but 
gone  before  !'  She  then  put  his  hand  into  mine,  and  said — 
*  If  you  live,  my  child,  never  forget  this  ;  and  may  I  one  day 
meet  you  both  in  heaven  !' 

"  I  have  dwelt  upon  this  part  of  my  dear  parent's  history 
with  the  more  minuteness,  because  she  has  frequently  told  me, 
that  it  was  not  only  the  greatest  shock  which  her  feelings 
were  ever  called  upon  to  sustain  ;  but  that  she  was  persuaded 
it  was  overruled  by  God  for  the  most  salutary  purpose,  as  it 
concerned  the  spiritual  discipline  of  her  own  heart.  ..  To  the 
end  of  her  life,  she  wore  a  little  locket  attached  to  her  watch  : 
it  contained  a  lock  of  her  poor  little  Henry's  hair  ;  and  she 
often  looked  at  it,  and  spoke  of  it,  as  a  remembrance  of  God's 
goodness  to  her,  at  a  most  trying  season. 

"  These  things  occurred  at  Stockport,  when  we  were  on  a 
visit  to  my  father's  mother  and  sisters,  in  the  early  part  of 
the  year  1778.  The  recollection  of  what  I  have  related  is 
still  clear  and  impressive  on  my  mind. 

"  Not  many  weeks  after  the  death  of  this  child,  my  father 
proposed  a  tour  into  Yorkshire,  Westmoreland,  Cumberland, 
and  Lancashire,  with  a  view  to  the  restoration  of  my  mother's 
health  and  spirits,  which  had  materially  suffered  from  her  dis. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


235 


tress  of  mind.  A  journey  through  scenes  of  so  much  beauty 
as  the  mountains  and  lakes  of  that  district  afford,  was  render- 
ed pecuHarly  interesting  by  the  state  of  mind  in  which  it  was 
undertaken. 

"  My  mother  had  a  correct  taste  for  landscape  scenery,  and 
loved  to  trace  the  hand  of  the  Creator  in  his  works.  She 
had  also  an  acquaintance  with  the  history,  antiquity,  and  bi- 
ography of  her  country,  which  was  much  gratified  by  the  ob- 
jects, both  of  art  and  nature,  associated  with  them.  Her 
memory  was  enriched  with  many  of  the  best  descriptive  pas- 
sages in  the  works  of  the  poets,  and  she  was  able  to  quote 
and  apply  them  to  the  various  objects  which  presented  them- 
selves to  her  notice.  My  father's  mind  was  perfectly  con- 
genial to  hers  in  these  things. 

"  Young  as  I  was  at  the  time,  I  feel  a  grateful  satisfaction 
in  retaining  so  much  as  I  do  of  the  scenes  through  which  we 
passed,  and  of  the  remarks  which  they  made,  in  conversatiott 
upon  them.  I  need  not  tell  you,  my  children,  how  great  a 
source  of  pleasure  I  myself  have  derived  from  the  contem- 
plation  of  the  beauties  of  landscape,  taken  in  connexion  with 
its  associated  circumstances,  and  more  especially  in  its  rela- 
tion to  the  hand  that  formed  them. 

"  To  this  journey  in  my  childhood,  accompanied  as  it  was 
by  the  tender  anxiety  of  my  mother  in  particular,  to  direct  my 
attention  to  every  object  worthy  of  notice,  and  the  impressive 
manner  in  which  her  late  severe  trial  led  her  to  utter  her  sen- 
I  timents,  I  ascribe  much  of  my  own  turn  of  mind,  as  associa- 
i  ted  with  the  works  of  nature.    Her  little  boy  was  permitted 
to  ramble  with  her  amongst  the  noble  scenery  of  Skiddaw  and 
}  Helvellyn  ;  to  sail  on  the  smooth  expanses  of  Derwentwater 
!  and  Windermere  ;  and  to  have  his  wondering  eye  directed  by 
j  her  to  the  cataracts  of  Barrow  and  Lowdore.    He  was  al- 
lowed to  visit,  with  her,  the  minsters  of  Ripon  and  York,  the 
1  ruins  of  Fountain's  Abbey,  the  splendid  castle  of  Raby,  and 
I  the  romantic  course  of  the  Tees.  Amidst  the  whole,  she  did 
I  not  forget  to  teach  him  the  importance  of  treasuring  up  use- 
ful information,  cultivating  a  taste  for  the  wonders  of  nature 
and  art,  and  of  learning  how  much  it  is  the  Christian's  duty, 

*  To  look  through  nature  up  to  nature's  God.* 

And  now,  when  no  longer  himself  a  little  boy,  but  a  father, 
writing  to  his  own  little  boys,  he  feels  a  kindred  pleasure  in 

I  endeavoring  to  excite  in  them  a  love  for  these  early  enjoy- 
ments  of  his  own  childhood,  through  which  he  was  so  affec- 

I  tionately  led  by  the  hand  and  the  heart  of  his  mother. 

I 


236 


■  MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


"  In  the  year  1782,  my  father  quitted  his  residence  at  Li- 
verpool, and  settled  in  the  city  of  Bath,  where  he  practised 
as  a  physician  about  twenty-four  years.  As  it  is  my  inten- 
tion to  write  to  you  principally  upon  what  I  have  seen  and 
known  of  my  mother,  during  the  latter  part  of  a  life  prolong- 
ed  to  nearly  eightj^-four  years ;  and  as,  in  so  doing,  I  shall 
have  occasion  to  make  several  references  to  the  circum- 
stances thut  preceded  this  period,  I  shall  in  a  more  cursory 
manner  speak  of  the  events  of  her  domestic  history. 

"  Her  mother,  Mrs.  Atherton,  died  at  Bath,  in  the  nine- 
tieth year  of  her  age,  in  the  year  1789.  She  was  a  woman 
of  remarkable  sweetness  of  disposition  ;  and  possessed  many 
qualities  of  mind  which  greatly  endeared  her  to  a  valuable  cir- 
cle of  acquaintance,  even  to  that  advanced  period.  Serious, 
sensible,  and  cheerful,  her  conversation  was  instructive  and 
entertaining;  full  of  anecdote  and  good  sense,  she  was  an  in- 
teresting companion  to  the  young,  and  even  to  children,  as 
well  as  to  their  elders.  She  evidenced  a  very  marked  regard 
for  religious  principles  and  services,  and  adorned  them  with  a 
corresponding  conduct.  She  bore  her  faculties  very  meekly, 
and  enjoyed  an  almost  uninterrupted  state  of  good  health, 
until,  after  a  short  and  not  painful  illness,  she  gently  sunk  into 
the  grave  ;  and,  full  of  years  and  respect,  '  slept  with  her 
fathers.' 

"  In  the  whole  of  their  deportment,  and  in  the  management 
of  the  family,  my  parents  maintained  great  order  and  pro- 
priety, founded  upon  conscientious  principles.  They  steadily 
resisted  the  torrent  of  folly,  vice,  and  dissipation,  for  which 
the  gay  city  of  Bath  is  distinguished.  While  the  giddy  vota- 
ries of  fashionable  life  incessantly  whirled  in  the  vortex  of  en- 
snaring pleasure,  they  cultivated,  for  themselves  and  their 
children,  sentiments  and  habits  of  a  domestic  and  rational  cha- 
racter. Regular  and  prudential  in  all  their  household  arrange- 
ments, they  maintained  a  valuable  intercourse  with  many 
estimable  friends  ;  and  set  their  children  a  uniform  example 
of  steady  resistance  to  those  temptations  so  injurious  to  all, 
but  especially  the  rising  generation.  Their  evenings  were 
much  spent  at  home,  in  family  reading  and  improving  conver- 
sation. By  pursuing  this  course,  they  hoped  to  lay  a  founda- 
tion for  future  domestic  usefulness,  in  their  children's  disposi- 
tions. I  shall  ever  retain  a  grateful  remembrance  of  the  sober 
and  temperate  regulations  which  characterized  my  paternal 
roof.    It  was  their  desire  to  bring  us  up  in  the  fear  of  God, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


237 


s.nd  to  teach  us  the  important  lesson  self  .denial,  so  essen- 
tial to  the  formation  of  Christian  principle. 

"  My  dear  mother  felt  much  anxiety  on  my  account,  during 
the  period  of  my  residence  in  Trinity  College,  Cambridge, 
which  commenced  in  1789,  and  terminated  in  1797.  A  tide 
of  intidel  and  democratical  principles  burst  upon  this  country 
at  that  period,  in  connexion  with  the  French  revolution.  Many 
young  men,  and  not  a  few  at  the  Universities,  were  deeply 
infected  with  them  :  it  was  indeed  a  dark  and  dangerous 
epoch,  and  she  dreaded  the  influence  of  evil  communications. 
Her  letters  used  to  breathe  the  language  of  parental  caution, 
and  evidenced  the  correctness  of  her  judgment.  The  tbllow- 
ing  extract  is  from  one  bearing  date  1790 ; 

'  I  hope  that  my  dear  son  does  not,  in  the  midst  of  his  li- 
terary studies,  forget  those  that  pertain  to  religion.  I  cannot 
help  trembling  for  my  country,  in  these  days  of  infidel  demo- 
cracy. I  fear  too  many  young  students  at  College  treat  the 
Scriptures  with  neglect,  if  not  with  contempt.  Some  such 
have  lately  passed  the  Christmas  vacation  at  Bath,  and  have 
made  a  very  unbecoming  display  of  their  sentiments,  at  the 
coffee-houses  and  public  rooms.  I  sincerely  hope  that  you 
will  be  preserved  from  this  contagion.  It  has  been  my 
prayer  to  God,  from  your  infancy,  that  you  might  live  and  die 
a  true  Christian.  '  I  am  more  anxious  about  this  point  than 
about  your  classical  and  mathematical  attainments,  impor- 
tant as  they  may  be.  I  know  you  will  bear  with  a  mother's 
exhortations;  they  "come  from  a  heart  which  has  long  beat 
with  anxiety  for  your  welfare,'  &c.  &c. 

"  In  a  subsequent  letter  of  the  same  period,  she  writes — 

*  Your  sentiments  in  answer  to  your  father's  last,  on  the 
subject  of  religion,  gave  me  no  small  satisfaction.  Whoever 
deserts  that  firm  foundation  is  exposed  to  every  gale  of  pas- 
sion ;  and  at  best  spends  his  life  in  a  comfortless  and  agitated 
state  :  for  doubt  is  raiser}^  to  a  thinking  mind  :  and  human 
reason,  with  all  its  self-sufficiency,  is  easily  misled  by  incli- 
nation.' 

"  It  was  a  subject  of  peculiar  satisfaction  to  my  mother, 
that  after  four  years'  residence  at  college,  during  which  peri- 
od my  father  had  left  me  to  the  free  choice  of  the  professions 
of  the  law  or  the  church,  I  at  length  deliberately  preferred  the 
latter.  Before  that  period  it  had  been  otherwise — both  my 
father's  mind  and  my  own  had  leaned  to  the  former  :  but 
when  I  assigned  to  him  a  variety  of  motives  for  entering  into 


238 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


the  ministry,  which  resulted  from  much  consideration  on  my 
part,  he  cheerfully  acquiesced  in  my  decision. 

*'  I  then  first  discovered  that  it  had  been  my  mother^s  secret 
ivish  and  iwayer,  from  my  hirili,  that  I  might  become  a  minister 
of  God's  word :  but  she  had  never  disclosed  it  to  me,  from  a 
fear  oi'  creating  an  undue  bias,  in  a  matter  which  she  con- 
sidered of  so  great  importance.  Her  views  of  the  ministerial 
profession  were  peculiarly  serious,  and  she  dreaded  the  idea 
of  a  rash  intrusion  into  the  sacred  office.  She  had  wished  me 
to  be  guided  by  the  unfettered  disposition  of  my  own  mind, 
and  hoped  God  would  direct  me  in  the  right  path.  Her  sen- 
timents may  be  gathered  from  the  following  extract  of  a  let- 
ter, dated  March,  1794  : 

*  Your  account  of  the  motives  which  have  determined  you  to 
enter  into  the  church,  as  contained  in  your  letter  to  your  fa- 
ther, has  given  us  both  great  satisfaction.  Your  determination 
on  this  point  appears  to  me  as  an  answer  to  the  prayers  which 
I  have  been  offering  up  ever  since  you  were  born.  The  cha- 
racter of  a  good  clergyman  has  ever  stood  foremost  in  my 
estimation  ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that  of  a  careless,  idle,  and 
dissipated,  and  above  all,  an  immoral  one,  has  been  my  dread 
and  abhorrence.  The  object  of  almost  every  other  profession 
terminates  with  this  world,  and  its  concerns  ;  but  that  of  a 
clergyman  looks  to  eternity.  Here  much  depends  upon  the 
character  and  conduct  of  the  minister  of  a  parish.  ,Your 
grandfather  Richmond  was  an  excellent  pattern  of  what  a 
pastor  should  be,  and  1  sincerely  wish  you  may  tread  in  his 
steps.  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  Bath  has  long  been  the  annual 
resort  of  a  class  of  young  clergymen,  whom  I  hope  you  will 
never  imitate.  The  ball-room,  the  theatre,  and  the  card-ta- 
ble,  are  not  the  appointed  scenes  of  clerical  occupation.  / 
love  the  Church  of  England  too  well  not  to  feel  hurt  and 
ashamed  when  the  levity  and  unsuitable  conduct  of  any  of  her 
clergy  give  the  world  at  large  a  just  ground  for  censure. 

'  My  feelings  respecting  yourself  and  the  sacred  profession 
have  been  constantly  associated  with  the  principles  of  a  lit- 
tle book,  with,  which  I  wish  you  to  become  better  acquainted. 
It  is  called  *  A  Mother's'  Legacy  to  an  unborn  Child.'  It 
was  written  by  Mrs.  Joceline,  who  was  aunt  to  my  great- 
grandfather,  Sir  Richard  Brook,  of  Norton.  Her  thoughts 
and  wishes,  relative  to  her  child  becoming  a  clergyman, 
are  precisely  my  own.  Her  book  is  a  very  interesting  and 
affecting  composition,  and  has  long  been  a  favourite  com- 
panion of  mine. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


239 


*Your  choice  of  your  profession  has  eased  my  mind  of  a 
considerable  burden  ;  and  the  principles  which  you  express 
give  me  hope,  that  if  my  life  be  spared,  you  will  be  a  comfort 
to  my  old  age,  and  also  a  blessing  to  many  others.  Pray  to 
God  for  direction  and  counsel  in  all  your  ways  ;  trust  in  the 
mercy  of  the  Saviour  ;  and  pursue  the  path  of  duty,  as  the 
appointed  way  to  happiness.' 

"  I  was  ordained  a  deacon  in  the  month  of  June,  1797,  by 
the  Bishop  of  Winchester,  in  consequence  of  obtaining  the 
curacy  of  Brading,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight.  On  this  occasion 
she  wrote  to  me — 

*  I  passed  the  evening  of  the  day  on  which  my  dear  son  was 
ordained  (last  Trinity  Sunday,)  in  privacy  and  prayer.  Next 
to  the  day  that  gave  you  birth,  I  consider  it  as  the  most  im- 
portant of  your  life.  You  are  now  become  a  minister  of  the 
church.  Yours  is  a  weighty  charge — may  God  give  you  grace 
to  fulfil  its  duties  aright.  You  are  going  to  reside  in  a  beau- 
tiful  country,  and  I  hope  you  will  also  find  '  the  beauty  of  ho- 
liness' there.  I  always  had  a  desire  to  see  the  Isle  of  Wight; 
and  now  I  have  the  prospect  of  visiting  the  young  pastor  and 
his  flock,  as  an  additional  inducement  to  go  there.  I  shall 
conclude  by  observing,  that  as  it  may  now  seem  too  presuming 
in  me  to  give  lectures  on  theology  to  a  reverend  divine,  1 
shall  henceforth  rather  expect  to  receive  them  from  you  ;  but 
a  mother's  prayers  may  be  as  needful  as  ever,  and  her  bless, 
ing  no  less  acceptable  than  formerly.  Take  them  both  from 
your  affectionate  mother,  C.  R.' 

"  Such,  my  dear  children,  were  the  maternal  auspices  un- 
der  which  I  entered  on  the  work  of  the  ministry.  As  to  my- 
self, I  had  m.uch,  very  much,  yet  to  learn,  and  not  a  little  to 
unlearn  ;  but  whatever  lessons  I  had  to  acquire,  or  whatever 
mercies  to  experience,  they  are  all  rendered  doubly  valuable 
to  me,  as  connected  with  the  prayers  and  blessings  of  such  a 
parent. 

Peace  and  gratitude  be  to  her  memory,  from  the  heart  of 
your  aflTectionate  father." 

LETTER  IV. 

My  dear  Children, — I  had  scarcely  entered  upon  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  when  a  train  of  circumstances  led  me 
to  a  much  deeper  and  more  anxious  investigation  into  the 
real  nature  of  the  religion  of  the  Bible  and  of  the  Church  of 


240 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


England,  than  I  had  hitherto  pursued.  But  as  my  present  ob- 
ject is  not  to  speak  of  myself,  otherwise  than  as  immediately 
and  necessarily  connected  with  my  dear  parent,  I  shall  only 
observe,  that  my  correspondence  and  intercourse  with  her, 
from  that  period,  assumed  a  very  serious  and  affectionate 
character,  upon  all  the  great  points  of  scriptural  truth. 

"  My  own  mind  has  been  thoroughly  convinced,  that  it  is 
very  possible  to  enter  into  the  sacred  office  of  the  ministry, 
with  all  the  advantages  of  theological  and  literary  attain- 
ments— with  a  mind  not  insensible  to  the  moral  and  benevo- 
lent duties  of  the  clerical  character — and  with  a  general  ac- 
quaintance with  all  the  system  of  our  ecclesiastical  formula- 
ries, and  still  be  a  stranger  to  the  essential  and  discriminating 
principle,  on  which  rest  all  the  energies  and  all  the  efficacy 
of  personal  and  social  religion.  I  evidently  perceived  the 
application  of  this  important  remark  to  my  own  case,  and 
was  gradually  led  to  the  deliberate  and  conscientious  adop- 
tion of  what  I  then  did  believe,  and  now  do  believe  to  be  the 
truth,  the  only  genuine  source  of  inward  peace  and  vital 
holiness." 

♦  [Here  the  manuscript  ends.] 

We  feel  considerable  regret  at  the  abrupt  conclusion  of 
this  manuscript,  not  only  on  account  of  the  reader,  but  for 
the  sake  of  Mr.  Richmond's  family,  to  whom  it  would  have 
served  as  a  valuable  and  authentic  memorial,  endeared  by  its 
being  the  production  of  their  father.  It  seems  to  have  been 
commenced  shortly  after  the  death  of  his  mother,  which  oc- 
curred in  February,  1819;  and  it  is  probable  that  his  nu- 
merous  engagements  prevented  him  completing  the  interest- 
ing detail.  We  cannot  forbear  observing  how  important  it  is, 
that  men,  whose  writings  are  likely  to  benefit  others,  should 
leave  nothing  of  real  moment  unfinished — that  they  should  be- 
ware  of  trusting  to  a  futurity  which  they  may  never  realize.* 

"  The  writer  remembers  once  paying  a  visit  to  Dr.  Watson,  the  well-known 
Bishop  of  LlandaflF,  at  his  beautiful  residence  at  the  Lakes,  and  seeing  him 
surrounded  by  several  volumes  vvhicb  he  was  successively  examining :  on  ask- 
ing his  lordship  what  was  the  subjectof  his  studies— he  replied,  "these,  sir,  are 
ray  own  works.  At  my  advanced  age  I  must  expect  to  be  drawing  near  the 
grave,  and  I  am  preparing  for  the  press  a  final  edition  of  all  that  I  have  written, 
revised  and  corrected  by  my  own  hand,  to  prevent  an  editor  mutilating  ihem 
after  my  death."  His  decease  occurred  about  twelve  months  afterward,  which 
-was  the  best  proof  of  the  prudence  of  the  measure. 


REV,    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


241 


We  can  supply  the  deficiency  in  the  above  Memoir  only  by 
the  insertion  of  the  following  papers.  We  are  sorry  that  our 
materials  are  not  more  ample. 

The  first  is  a  prayer,  found  among  his  mother's  papers,  and 
which  appears  to  have  been  composed  by  her  at  the  tim.e 
her  son  first  went  to  collage. 

"  O  Lord,  the  author  and  fountain  of  all  good  things  !  from 
thy  bountiful  mercy  and  goodness,  we  thine  unworthy  crea- 
tures receive  all  we  possess  and  enjoy,  valuable  in  this  world, 
and  also  the  assured  hope  and  confidence  of  eternal  happiness 
in  the  world  to  come.  Look  down,  I  most  earnestly  beseech 
thee,  upon  the  hearty  desires  of  thy  humble  servant.  Bestow, 
O  Lord,  upon  this  child  such  a  portion  of  thy  heavenly  grace 
as  may  support  him  in  all  the  dangers,  and  carry  him  through 
all  the  temptations  of  this  wicked  and  degenerate  age.  Let 
the  enemy  of  our  salvation  have  no  advantage  over  him ;  and 
let  not  the  wicked  one  be  able  to  approach  to  hurt  him  ;  visit 
him,  O  Lord,  with  thy  salvation,  and  keep  him  in  perpetual 
peace  and  safety.  Let  not  the  pernicious  examples  of  any  of 
his  companions  ever  incline  him  to  transgress  thy  laws  in 
thought,  word,  or  deed.  May  he  abhor  and  detest  every 
thing  that  has  the  appearance  of  immorality,  and  flee  from 
sin  as  from  a  fiery  serpent.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  after  the 
pattern  of  his  blessed  Saviour,  he  may  increase  in  wisdom 
and  knowledge  ;  may  he  grow  in  grace  as  well  as  years,  and 
in  favor  with  God  and  man.  May  he  be  dutiful  and  obedient 
to  all  those  who  have  the  rule  and  authority  over  him.  May 
he  cheerfully  and  readily  obey  their  commands,  in  every 
thing  be  directed  and  instructed  by  their  guidance  and  coun- 
sels. May  he  behave  with  due  judgment  and  propriety  to  all 
his  equals ;  and  to  his  inferiors  may  he  always  show  himself 
condescending  and  obliging.  Endue  him,  O  Lord,  with  such 
a  share  of  natural  faculties  and  abilities,  that  he  may  receive 
and  retain  the  instructions  and  precepts  of  his  tutors  and 
teachers  :  but  grant,  O  Lord,  that  human  knowledge  may  not 
prejudice  that  which  is  divine  :  let  him  rather  study  thee  and 
thy  kingdom,  than  all  things  else.  To  know  thee,  O  Lord, 
is  to  be  truly  wise,  and  to  contemplate  and  meditate  on  thee 
and  thy  wonderful  goodness  to  the  children  of  men,  is  the 
highest  learning. 

Finally,  O  Lord,  if  it  be  thy  blessed  will,  grant  him  such  a 
measure  of  thy  wisdom  from  above,  that,  in  the  future  course 
of  his  life,  he  may  become  a  useful  member^of  society  ;  and 
having  served  Thee  faithfully  in  this  life,  by  doing  good  in  his 
21* 


242 


MEMOIRS  OF  THBT 


generation,  may  he  be  made  partaker  of  everlasting  glory  in 
thy  Son's  kingdom  in  heaven,  where  there  is  fulness  of  joy, 
and  at  whose  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 
All  this  I  most  humbly  and  earnestly  entreat,  in  and  through 
the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  Son  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name,  and  in  whose  words,  thou  hast 
promised  to  be  propitious  to  the  petitions  of  those  who  ap- 
proach thy  throne  with  faith  and  sincerity. 
"  Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  &:c. 

Mr.  Richmond'^s  mother  was  sometimes  exercised  with 
fears  respecting  her  right  apprehension  of  divine  truth.  His 
correspondence  was  made  highly  useful  in  giving  her  more 
just,  solid,  and  correct  views  on  this  subject.  The  following 
letter,  written  on  one  of  these  occasions,  exhibits  a  lucid  state- 
ment of  Christian  doctrine. 

"  My  very  dear  Mother,  I  trust  that  the  letter  which  you 
have  written  to  me,  will  neither  in  length  nor  strength  be  one 
of  only  few  such,  which  I  may  be  happy  enough  to  receive. 
No  ;  write  to  me  constantly,  while  hand  and  eye,  and  heart 
and  head  are  thus  mercifully  spared  for  the  instruction  and 
gratification  of  your  children.  Write  to  me  on  what  concerns 
the  body,  and  also  the  soul.  The  latter  especially  claims  our 
mutual  contemplation.  Ere  long  we  shall  both  be  in  eternity  : 
you,  perhaps,  a  little  sooner,  and  I  in  a  short  space  to  follow. 
Yet  even  this  natural  order  of  providence  may  be  reversed, 
if  God  see  good.  At  all  events,  what  are  the  few  short  days 
and  years  of  time  compared  with  a  '  for  ever  V  Cherish,  my 
dear  mother,  clear,  deep,  solid,  unfading  views  of  the  Savi- 
our's work  ;  a  work  so  perfect,  that  the  sinner  can  neither  add 
to  nor  take  away  from  it, —  a  work  which  ensures  peace  to  the 
guilty — pardon  to  the  offending — light  to  the  blind — life  to 
the  dead  !  Beware  of  dishonoring  Christ  by  doubting  of  his 
power  or  willingness  to  save,  because  you  feel  yourself  unwor- 
thy, sinful,  and  weak.  Faith  honors  him  by  believing.  '  What 
must  I  do  to  be  saved  V  cried  the  jailer;  '  believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,'  was  Paul's  reply.  Salvation  is  wholly  of  faith 
from  first  to  last.  This  is  the  grand  discriminating  principle 
between  true  scriptural  evangelical  religion,  and  all  mere  imi- 
tations  or  assumptions  of  that  title.  Our  paradox  is,  that  'weak- 
ness .is  strength.^  The  soul  that  by  faith,  through  grace,  is 
saved  without  works,*  obtains  an  inward  principle  of  love, 

*  Sy  grace  are  ye  p'aved,  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves;  it  is  the 
gift  of  God.    Not  of  works,  lest  any  man  shouhl  boast."   Eph.  ii,  8, 9. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


243 


which  miisi  tcork,  cannot  but  worJc,  and  actually  does  work:* 
The  order  is  thus  :  First,  God  loved  us ;  secondly,  thence 
we  obtain  faith  to  trust  him  ;  thirdly,  we  are  thus  saved  ; 
fourthly,  we  therefore  love  him  who  first  loved  us  ;  fifthly,  this 
love  produces  good  thoughts,  words,  and  works,  as  the  fruits, 
not  the  root,  of  our  salvation.  Thus  is  He  the  author  and 
finisher  of  our  faith,  and  the  author  of  salvation  to  all  them 
that  obey  him.  He  has  promised  to  all,  as  well  as  to  David, 
to  perfect  the  thing  which  concerneth  his  people  :  whom  he 
loveth,  he  loveth  to  the  end  ;  trust  him,  therefore,  evermore. 
Such  is  the  Christian's  doctrinal,  practical,  and  experimental 
creed. 

"  I  preached,  on  Sunday,  a  right  loyal  sermon  for  poor 
queen  Charlotte,  and  traversed  all  the  useful  and  exemplary 
features  in  her  character.  This  day  she  is  to  be  buried. 
Peace  to  her  memory  !  Poor  king  George  !  In  the  midst  of 
life,  he  is,  as  it  were,  in  death — in  light,  darkness — in  riches, 
poor — in  splendor,  dulness — in  society,  solitary  : — yet,  hap- 
pily,  not  dead — not  dark — not  poor — not  dull — not  solitary. 
Providence  hangs  a  veil  of  mystery  over  him,  but  grace  illu- 
mines  it,  even  while  he  can  scarcely  discern  through  it  the 
form  of  our  revered  monarch.  He  sees  consolations  and 
companions  from  on  high.  He  has  the  peace  which  the  world 
cannot  give,  nor  sickness  take  away ;  therefore  he  is  a  hap- 
py man.  Our  journey  was  well  bestowed  on  Fanny,  and  will, 
I  hope,  leave  a  lasting  impression  on  her  mind,  of  a  useful 
sort.  I  do  with  you  hope  that  my  valuable  acquaintance 
may  be  of  future  use  to  my  children  ;  the  '  promise,'  you 
know, '  is  not  oi:ly  to  us,  but  to  them.'  " 

The  following  letter,  addressed  by  Mr.  Richmond  to  his 
wife,  enables  us  to  supply  some  information  relative  to  the 
last  moments  of  his  father  :  at  the  same  time  that  it  affords 
a  fine  illustration  of  the  ftiith  and  resignation  of  his  mother. 
The  event  here  alluded  to,  occurred  at  Stockport,  in  Che- 
shire, in  the  year  1806. 

**  Dearest  Mary, — I  sent  you  a  few  hastily  penned  lines 
last  night.  As  soon  as  I  had  finished  them,  I  went  to  our 
medical  friend,  from  whom  I  had  a  regular  account  of  the 
melancholy  event  which  has  brought  me  here.   I  had  previ- 

*See  homily  "on  the  true,  lively,  and  Christian  faifh."  We  also  beg  to 
refer  tlie  render  to  tlio  remarks  made  on  the  whole  of  this  doctrine  iu  the  re- 
view of  Mr.  Daubeny's  work. 


244  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

©usly  written  a  note,  that  I  might  be  shown  into  a  room  with 
my  dear  mother  alone.  I  then  went  with  Mary,  and  found  my 
mother  in  a  moyt  interesting  struggle  between  divine  conso- 
lation and  natural  affection.  My  first  words,  after  an  interval 
of  silence,  were,  *  are  you  supported,  my  dear  mother  V  *  Be- 
yond all  hope  and  expectation,'  v/as  the  reply.  '  Do  you  feel 
the  consolations  of  religion  ?'  *  I  am  resigned  to  the  stroke, 
though  it  rends  my  heart  in  two.  I  may  weep  ;  but  I  dare  not, 
will  not  complain.  I  never  deserved  him ;  he  was  lent  to  me, 
and  now  God  has  taken  him  again.  You  are  come  to  support 
a  poor  widowed  mother's  heart ;  and  I  know  you  will  be,  what 
your  dear  sister  Fanny  has  already  been,  the  prop  and  strength 
of  my  age  and  affliction.'  I  was  astonished  and  melted  at 
her  fortitude  and  resignation.  I  find  my  dear  father's  mind, 
for  three  weeks  past,  was  calm  and  tranquil,  expressive  of 
much  faith,  patience,  and  hope.  My  mother  was  reading  that 
exquisite  commentary  of  Bishop  Home,  on  the  23d  Psalm. 
He  observed,  at  the  close  of  the  fourth  verse,  '  that  is  hea- 
venlyf  and  it  is  my  comfort.'  He  then  suddenly  said,  '  my  head 
is  giddy,'  staggered  to  the  sofa,  and.  fell  into  my  mother's 
arms  ;^his  eyes  fixed,  and  a  deadly  paleness  on  his  face.  She 
contrived  to  ring  the  bell,  and  instantly  returned  to  him ;  he 
gasped  for  breath,  and  groaned  twice.  The  servant  came  in, 
and  lifted  up  his  legs  ;  he  gave  one  more  slight  struggle,  and 
breathed  out  his  soul  in  my  mother's  arms.  She  sat  with  him 
two  hours  in  silent  composure  ;  unable  to  weep,  but  calm  in 
grief.  That  night  she  could  not  sleep,  but  gained  relief  by 
much  weeping.  Fanny  arrived  on  Sunday  evening,  and  slept 
with  our  dear  mother.  After  I  had  sat  for  half  an  hour  yes- 
terday evening,  the  rest  came  in,  one  by  one,  and  we  fell  into 
a  solemn  but  tranquil  conversation.  My  very  heart  was  ready 
to  burst  ;  but  I  concealed  my  feelings  as  much  as  possible. 
After  a  while,  I  went  to  see  the  body  of  my  father.  As  we 
proceeded  up  stairs,  I  found  my  legs  tremble,  and  when  I 
came  to  the  room  door,  I  staggered  ;  but  instantly  offering  up 
a  prayer  for  strength,  felt  relieved,  and  advanced. 

Instead  of  seeing  any  thing  to  inspire  terror,  I  beheld  his 
well-known  and  honored  countenance  so  calm,  heavenly,  mild, 
and  unaltered,  that  it  seemed  only  like  a  sweet  sleep.  I 
never  felt  more  composed  ;  and  we  sat  three  quarters  of  an 
hour,  chiefly  in  silent  contemplation.  I  could  only  now- and 
then  interrupt  it  by,  '  Oh  !  how  sweet  a  countenance  ! — there 
is  nothing  terrible  in  this  !  It  is  the  emblem  of  peace  and 
composure.  Oh  !  my  dear  father !  I  could  have  wished  to  have 


REV.   LEGH  EICHMOND. 


245 


closed  your  eyes ! — but  God's  will  be  done  !  With  difficulty, 
I  left  the  room.  I  went  down  to  supper.  Afterward,  I  re- 
quested all  the  house  to  assemble,  and  read  1  Cor.  xv.  ;  and 
then  offered  up  a  solemn  and  appropriate  prayer.  Great  feel- 
mg  pervaded  us  all. 

This  morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  commenced  the  business 
of  the  funeral.  My  heart  again  failed  me.  I  was  excessively 
tried  in  the  procession  through  the  churchyard,  and  in  the 
church.  I  was,  however,  invvardly  strengthened,  and  shed 
the  last  tear  over  his  remains. 

"  On  returning  to  the  house,  for.  a  moment  I  fainted,  but 
recovered.  Indeed,  my  dear  love,  it  has  been  a  very  trying 
scene  to  me.  A  thousand  tender  recollections  of  past  days 
have  successively  crowded  upon  my  mind  ;  and  every  object 
here  reminds  me  so  much  of  a  beloved  and  revered  parent, 
that  I  cannot  hut  feel  deeply. 

"  He  seems  to  have  had  a  presentiment  of  his  approachinj^ 
end,  but  rather  concealed  it  from  others.  I  never  felt  myself 
of  such  pov/er  to  console  as  at  this  moment.  My  dear  mother 
says,  '  You  are  my  oak,  and  1  am  a  poor  ivy,  clinging  around 
you  :  now  you  are  my  child  indeed.'  " 

The  ensuing  letter  contains  all  the  particulars  with  which 
we  are  furnished  respecting  the  decease  of  this  excellent  wo- 
man, in  January,  1819.  It  is  addressed  to  one  of  his  daugh- 
ters.  He  had  previously  seen  her  on  his  return  from  Scot- 
land,  in  the  preceding  autumn  ;  and  remarked  that  she  looked 
more  aged,  though  not  complaining  ;  but  she  expressed  her 
apprehensions  that  they  were  meeting  for  the  last  time. 

"  My  dear  F  ;  I  am  just  returned,  after  executing 

the  difficult  and  affecting  task  of  preaching  a  funeral  sermon 
for  my  most  excellent  and  revered  mother,  at  her  parish 
church.  I  took  my  subject  from  Psalm  cxv.  1,  as  best  suited 
to  her  humble,  meek,  and  believing  frame  of  mind.  It  was 
indeed  a  trying  effort ;  but  God  carried  me  through  surpris- 
ingly. I  introduced  some  very  interesting  papers,  which  I 
have  found  amongst  her  memoranda,  in  her  own  handwriting. 
Her  last  message  to  me  was — '  Tell  my  son,  I  am  going  di- 
rect to  happiness.' 

"  Never  was  there  a  more  delighttul  and  heavenly  counte- 
nance than  hers,  as  she  lay  in  her  coffin  :  it  combined  every 
sentiment  which  the  most  devout  mmd  could  desire  :  love — 
joy — peace — ^gentleness — goodness — faith — meekness— cha- 
rity, all  shone  serenely  bright.  I  followed  her  to  her  grave,  ia 


246 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Lancaster  churchyard,  where  she  lies  under  a  sycamore-tree, 
amid  the  magnificent  landscape  of  sea,  mountains,  rivers,  cas- 
tle and  church,  around.  You  remember  its  high  beauties. — 
But  you  very  imperfectly  know  the  high  qualities  of  head 
and  heart  which  your  grandmamma  possessed — I  never  met 
with  her  equal  at  the  same  age.  I  occupy  her  little  room, 
adjoining  her  bed-room,  by  day  ;  and  it  is  a  great  consolation 
to  me  to  sit  in  her  arm-chair  and  think  of  her,  and  read  her 
papers  on  various  subjects.  There  you  and  I  took  leave  of 
her,  in  November  last — but,  alas  !  her  place  knoweth  her  no 
more  !  I  look  out  of  the  window,  at  the  grand  rauge  of  snow- 
capt  mountains,  which  are  now  beautiful  in  the  extreme.  I 
had  no  conception  of  the  winter  beauties  of  these  hills ; — 
Lansdale  Piles,  Rydal  Head,  Hill  Bell,  Helvellyn,  &c.  Ate. 
all  finely  illuminated  with  snow  sunshine,  in  diversified  shades. 
And  then  I  think  of  my  dear  mother,  and  how  she  enjoyed 
their  characteristic  grandeur. 

Letters  pour  in  daily,  from  all  parts  of  England,  condol- 
ing with  us  in  our  great  loss.  My  mother  was  loved  and  ho- 
nored most  extensively.  Dear  woman  !  for  forty-seven  years 
I  have  proved  thy  affection,  and  can  trace,  from  earliest  in- 
fancy, the  tokens  of  thy  worth.  May  I  follow  thee  in  humility, 
faith,  and  love  ;  and  cherish  thy  memory  with  gratitude  and 
honor  !" 

The  following  lines  were  inscribed  on  the  tombstone  of  the 
late  Mrs.  Richmond,  which  is  enclosed  with  iron  railing,  and 
placed  under  a  sycamore-tree  in  Lancaster  churchyard,  on 
the  west  side,  erected  by  her  three  afflicted  children,  to  her 
memory  : — 

"  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Catherine,  widow  of  Henry  Richmond,  M.  D. 
(formerly  of  Liverpool,  and  late  of  Baih,)  and  daughter  of  John  Aiherlon, 
Esq.  late  of  Walton  Hall,  in  this  county,  who  departed  this  life,  January 
the  30th,  1819,  in  the  eighty-fourth  year  of  her  age." 

"  The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be  found  in  the  way  of  right- 
eousness." 

C.  R. 

SOLI  DEO  GLORIA. 

**  What  though  Affliction  here  would  heave  a  sigh, 
That  one  so  loved  and  so  revered  should  die — 
Calm  Resignation  clasps  a  Saviour's  cross, 
And  mourns,  but  does  not  murmur  at  the  loss. 
'Twas  there  her  n»eek  and  lowly  soul  was  taught 
To  seek  the  heavenly  crown  his  blood  had  bought. 
'Twas  thence,  in  mercy,  beamed  the  welcome  ray, 
Which  cheered  with  hope  the  aged  pilgrim's  way. 


REV.   LEGH  RICIIM:O^D. 


247 


This  raoiilderins  dust  shall  here  repose  in  peace. 
Till  that  great  <iay,  wlien  lime  itself  shall  oease. 
Her  spirit  is  with  God ;  and  this  its  plea — 
'  My  Saviour  liv'd,  my  Saviour  died  for  me '.'  " 

"Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  (into  thy  name  give  glory,  for  ;hy 
mercy  and  for  thy  truth's  sake." 

The  following  obituary,  relating  to  this  event,  was  inserted 
in  one  of  the  periodicals  of  the  day  : — 

"On  January  30th,  1819,  died,  at  Leighton  Hall,  near 
Lancaster,  aged  83,  Catherine,  widow  of  Dr.  Henry  Rich, 
mond,  formerly  of  Liverpool,  and  late  of  Bath.  Mrs.  Rich- 
mond  was,  through  life,  distinguished  by  superior  intellectual 
faculties,  cultivated  taste,  and  most  amiable  manners.  These 
she  retained  to  the  last.  But  these  qualities  were  only  sub- 
servient to  a  solid  and  enlightened  piet}'  of  heart,  founded 
upon  a  cordial  reception  of  the  principles  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ.  The  deep  humility  of  her  disposition,  her  meek  and 
quiet  spirit,  and  her  devotional  sense  of  a  Saviour's  mercies, 
have  seldom  been  exceeded.  With  her  increasing  age,  God 
blessed  her  with  increasing  enjoyment  of  divine  truths  ;  and 
enabled  her  to  meditate,  converse,  and  correspond  upon  them 
will  a  vigor  of  mind,  sobriety  of  judgment,  and  simplicity  of 
affection,  which  proved  the  holy  source  from  whence  they 
proceeded. 

"  Her  son  engaged  in  the  affecting  task  of  preaching  her 
funeral  sermon,  in  the  parish  church  of  Warton,  on  Sunday, 
Feb.  14,  to  a  large  congregation,  [rom  Psalm  cxv.  1  ;  a  sub- 
ject selected  as  being  peculiarly  expressive  of  her  own  views 
and  feelings  when  living.  The  mingled  tears  of  relatives, 
friends,  domestics,  and  neighbors,  bore  an  interesting  testi- 
mony to  the  love  and  veneration  in  which  her  memory  is 
held."  Thus  had  Mr.  Richmond  the  delightful  consolation  of 
knowing,  that  both  his  parents  departed  in  the  hope  and 
peace  of  the  Gospel.  Happy  is  it  when  the  bonds  of  nature 
are  knit  more  closely  by  those  of  grace ! — when  the  child 
and  the  parent  are  partakers  of  the  same  Christian  hope,  run- 
ning the  same  race,  and  looking  forward  to  the  same  eternal 
rest  and  glory ! 

"  Oh  !  what  is  death  ?    'Tis  life's  last  shore, 
Where  vanities  arp  vain  no  more ! 
Where  all  pursuits  their  goal  obtain, 
And  life  is  all  retouched  again  : 
Where,  in  (heir  bright  results,  shall  rise 
Thoughts,  virtues,  friendships,  griefs,  and  joys." 


248 


MEMOIES  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Letter,  and  verses— Extracts  from  Diary— Tours  to  Scotland— lona— Letters  , 
friendly,  family,  and  pastoral— Memoir  of  iVliss  Sinclair. 

Mr.  Richmond,  in  his  northern  tours  for  the  religious  soci- 
eties, often  visited  Scotland.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  he 
left  his  eldest  daughter  under  the  hospitable  roof  of  Dr.  and 

Mrs.  S  ,  near  Glasgow,  with  whom  he  had  formed  a  par- 

ticular  intimacy.  But  whether  present  or  absent,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond discovered  a  uniform  anxiety  for  his  children.  Their 
spiritual  welfare  lay  near  his  heart.  He  often  wrote  to  them, 
and  never  oniitted  to  make  some  useful  reference  to  the  great 
concerns  of  eternity. 

The  following  letter,  and  copy  of  verses,  addressed  to  his 
daughter,  exhibit  a  model  of  parental  care  and  affection  : — 
"  Dear  Mary, 

"  I  wrote  to  you  on  my  own  birthday,  and  now  I  do  the 
same  on  yours.  'There  is  a  time  to  be  born,  and  a  time  to 
die.'  So  says  Solomon ;  and  it  is  the  memento  of  a  truly 
wise  man.  But  I  may  add,  there  is  an  interval  between 
these  two  times,  of  infinite  importance. 

*' Does  my  beloved  child  duly  appreciate  this?  Not  all 
the  charms  of  nature,  either  Scottish  or  English,  can  for  a 
moment  compare  with  those  of  grace  :  and  when  can  we  bet- 
ter contemplate  the  real  value  of  life,  the  vanity  of  the  world, 
the  worth  of  a  soul,  and  the  need  of  a  Saviour,  than  when  the 
lapse  of  time  brings  round  the  anniversary  day  of  our  birth? 
It  seems  to  concentrate  all  the  experience  and  feeling  of  past 
days,  and  to  unite  them  with  the  anticipations  of  those  which 
are  yet  to  come  :  it  speaks  to  youth  and  age  alike,  and  sum- 
mons both  to  prayer  and  meditation.  Soon  will  eternity  over- 
whelm all  the  concerns  of  time,  but  will  infallibly  take  its 
character  from  them.  I  sincerely  hope  that  you  are  syste- 
matically improving  time,  with  a  view  to  that  eternity.  Your 
opportunities  have  been  many  and  valuable  ;  your  privileges 
great — may  every  ensuing  day  prove  that  they  are  not  lost 
upon  you.  Religious  parentage  and  social  connexions  alone 
cannot  save :  personal  religion  in  the  heart  is  every  thing. 

Our  dear  friend  Mrs.  S  ,  appears  to  enjoy  it  in  deed 

and  in  truth.  Prize  such  a  friend  ;  not  only  because  she  is 
itind,  and  agreeable,  and  worthy,  but  because  she  is  a  child 


HEV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


249 


of  God,  a  member  of  Christ,  and  an  inheritor  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  ;  and  as  such  may  be  the  ordained  instrument  of 
God,  for  establishing  the  same  principle  in  you.  Think  of  us 
all,  not  for  the  mere  love's  sake  of  earthly  kindred,  but  for 
the  love  of  Jesus,  as  connected  with  the  family  of  heaven. 
This  alone  gives  to  charity  itself  its  value. 

"  Farewell,  my  dear  child  ;  and  while  you  pray  for  your- 
self, forget  not  your  affectionate  father,      Legh  Richmond, 

ADDRESSED  TO  MISS  RICHMOND, 

ACCOMPANIED  BY  A  LOCKET  OF  DERBYSHIRE  FLUOR 
SPAR,  IN  THE  FORM  OF  A  HEART. 

Here  I  offer  my  daughter  a  heart  witliout  sin, 

That  knows  nought  of  corruption  and  sorrow  within  ' 

A  heart  which  you  see  is  so  curiously  wrought, 

That  it  ne'er  can  offend — not  so  much  as  in  thought '  « 

That  its  virtues  are  shining  within  and  without. 
Is  a  truth  which  admits  of  no  rational  doubt : 
Its  cliaracter,  Mary,  is  pure  and  sincere  ; 
And  its  inmost  ide^iis  transparent  and  clear. 

'Tisaheart  that  will  bear  the  minutest  inspection, 
And  never  proves  guilty  of  any  deception  : 
What  it  was,  that  it  is — what  it  is,  it  will  be — 
Unconscious  of  guile  or  to  you  or  to  me. 

It  may  seem  to  be  strange — nay,  it  is  so,  I  own — 
That  this  heart,  though  so  pure,  is  as  hard  as  a  stone  ; 
It  resists  all  impressions  which  tenderness  makes  ; 
But  if  force  be  employed,  it  immediately  breaks. 

An<l  thisheai-t  if  once  broken,  can  never  be  healed, 
Nor  tlie  least  of  its  wounds  be  a  moment  concealed ; 
And  though  stony  its  texture,  and  hard  be  its  nature, 
Like  yourself,  this  poor  heart  is  a  delicate  creature. 

Then  make  use  of  the  emblem  you  wear  at  your  breast : 
With  "  the  hearts  that  are  pure,"*  do  you  geek  to  be  blest ! 
Weep  and  mourn  for  a  nature  by  a  sin  so  deranged, 
And  pray  for  a  heart  that's  essentially  changed. 

May  the  "  stone"  in  your  heart,  be  removed  far  away, 
And  the  softened  affections  alone  bear  the  sway  ! 
They  will  lead  you  to  Jesus  with  penitent  sighs. 
Till  the  sun  of  his  righteousness  sweetly  arise. 

Mrty  graces  resplendent  as  those  of  the  stone, 

Both  within  and  without,  be  for  ever  your  own  ! 

Let  your  heart  be  transparent,  wherever  you  are, 

And  your  conduct  will  shine  far  more  clear  than  the  spar 

But  should  you  offend,  and  for  sin  be  heart-broken, 
Behold  on  the  cross  there's  Mercy's  bright  token  ' 

*Matt,v.8. 

22 


250 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


The  heart  that  is  contrite  God  will  not  despise,— 
The  heart  that  is  broken  is  dear  in  his  eyes. 

Christ's  love  has  no  limit,  then  give  hitn  thy  heart,— 

In  the  deed  shall  His  spirit  free  comfort  impart : 

So  the  heart  of  the  Saviour,  allied  close  to  Jliine, 

In  a  glorious  unity  ever  will  shine.  L.  R. 

We  regret  that  the  limits  of  this  memoir  will  not  allow  us 
to  lay  before  our  readers  copious  extracts  from  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's journals  of  his  tours  in  Scotland.  Ete  adverts  to  them 
at  all  times  with  grateful  recollection  :  they  form  an  inter- 
esting part  of  his  public  life,  and,  indeed,  led  to  an  important 
event  in  his  family.  We  insert  the  following  extract. 
/ 

EXTRACTS  FROM  HIS  DIARY. 

Juhf  18.  W^ent  to  Long-town,  and  entered  Scotland  by 
Gretna-green — a  disgrace  to  both  countries.  Proceeded  to 
Dumfries.  A  superior  place.  Admired  the  town.  Meditated 
as  I  walked  along  on  Rom.  vii.  Search  deep.  '  Lord,  what 
is  man  !' 

—19.  Went  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  D.  to  visit  the  church 
Mausoleum  of  Robert  Burns,  the  poet,  which  cost  1500/. 
Extraordinary  and  ornamented  collection  of  momuments  in 
the  churchyard.  Held  a  meeting  to  aid  the  circulation  of 
the  Hebrew  Testament  for  the  Jews  at  the  new  Church. 
Well  attended  ;  12/.  12^.  collected  ;  and  a  foundation  laid  for 
a  new  society  in  behalf  of  the  Jews. 

—  20.  Attended  a  Bible  meeting.  A  very  delightful 
day*  Made  some  truly  valuable  acquaintances.  Took  leave 
of  Dr.  D.  Manifold  mercies. 

"  —  21.  Set  out  out  for  Biggar.  Held  a  meeting  for  He- 
brew Testaments.  Collected  12/.  7*.  Qd.  Felt  much  respect 
for  the  memory  of  the  well-known  John  Brown  of  Hadding- 
ton,  while  I  was  in  the  house  of  his  grandson,  and  amongst 
his  great  grandchildren. 

"  —  22.  Breakfasted  at  Lanark.  Went  to  see  New  La- 
narli,  and  the  Clyde  Falls ;  Mr.  Owen  accompanied  us. 
Nothing  could  exceed  the  beauty  of  the  scene.  Saw  the 
whole  of  the  mills  and  machinery.  Dined  and  had  much 
conversation  with  Mr.  Owen  on  all  his  plans.  They  want  a 
religious  basis, 

"  —  23.  Sermon  at  church.  Went  at  four  to  Mr.  Owen's 
schoolroom,  and  addressed  the  whole  institution,  from  Job 
xxii,  21.    Fine  sight.    Collected  41,  Ss,    In  the  evening, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


251 


held  a  meeting  at  Lanark  church  for  the  Hebrew  Testa- 
ment. Two  thousand  people — grand  spectacle. 

July  24.  Breakfasted  with  Mr.  Owen.  Conversed  agam 
on  his  new  plan.  Went  to  the  school :  saw  the  children  go 
through  all  their  various  classes.  The  dancing  may  be  pretty 
for  children,  but  unquestionably  leads  to  much  evil  among  the 
adults.  Many  things  are  very  interesting  here,  but  require 
close  investigation.  Visited  the  fall  of  the  Clyde — very  su- 
perb indeed.  Read,  as  I  travelled  on,  Mr.  Owen's  manu- 
script. Some  clever  ideas  of  economical  arrangement ;  but 
it  must  fail,  as  it  now  stands.  There  is  no  Christ  in  his 
scheme,  and  it  cannot  prosper. 

"  —  25.  Glasgow.  Preached  in  the  Episcopal  chapel  iu 
the  evening,  from  Rom.  xi,  17,  IS.  Fine  congregation.  Af- 
terward, attended  a  juvenile  missionary  meeting. 

"  —  26.  Erskine.  Dined  with  Dr.  and  Mrs.  S.  Most 
hospitably  and  kindly  welcomed.    A  lovely  retirement. 

"  —  27.  Paisley.  Delivered  an  address  for  the  Jews  to  a 
very  numerous  assembly.  Collected  23Z.  Afterward  spent  a 
very  profitable  evening.  iMuch  sensible  and  valuable  conver- 
sation. 

"  —  29.  Read  an  account  of  my  proceedings  at  Dumfries 
in  the  Edinburgh  Star.  Lord,  keep  me  humble,  and  show  me 
the  real  character  of  myself.    '  Lord,  what  is  man  !' 

"  —  30.  Paisley.  Preached  in  the  morning,  from  Rom.  x, 
11.  Collected  lOL  lis.  5d.  Addressed  in  the  evening 
3000  people,  including  1500  children  and  young  people. 
Wonderful  crowd.  Fine  spectacle.  Close  and  riveted  at- 
tention.   Returned  home.  I  bless  God  for  all  his  goodness. 

"  —  81.  Glasgow.  Met  Dr.  C.  Interesting  and  most  pro- 
fitable  conversation,  on  plans  for  parochial  visitation,  inter- 
course, and  reform.  Attended  a  meeting  for  the  Jews. 
Noble  assembly.  Spoke  for  an  hour.  Collected  14Z.  Mr. 
David  P.  is  to  travel  with  me  into  the  Western  and  Northern 
Islands. 

*'  Aug.  1.  Isle  of  Bute.  Was  much  struck  with  the  gran- 
deur  and  beauty  of  the  Frith  of  Clyde.  Exquisite  view  of  the 
mountains.  Tints  indescribable.  Marquis  of  Bute's — basal- 
tic  character  of  the  rock.  Visited  a  Highland  cottage  ;  chil- 
dren reading  :  mother  and  grandmother  ;  spinner's  wheel  ; 
smoky  roof ;  Gaelic  Testament.  Religious  conversation.  In- 
telligence and  seriousness.  The  cottage  scene,  and  island 
scenery  around,  and  spiritual  associations  altogether,  con- 
stituted  a  most  interesting  combination. 


252 


MEMOIBS  OF  THE 


"  Aug.  2.  Rothsay.  Went  to  a  Jews'  meeting.  Place 
overflowing.  Collected  17Z.  17*.  Had  much  interesting 
conversation  this  day  about  Ossian,  and  received  some  strong 
proofs  of  its  authenticity. 

"  — In  the  course  of  the  last  three  days,  have  seen  some  of 
the  finest  specimens  of  clouds  rolling  over  hills  in  every  shape 
and  manner.  Also  grand  combinations  of  sea,  island,  and 
mountain  beauty.  O,  for  a  heart  to  feel  and  acknowledge 
God's  protecting  mercies  ! 

—  13.  Aros.  Prayed  earnestly  for  all  my  family,  and 
my  parish." 

The  beauty  of  the  following  passage  entitles  it  to  insertion. 
VIEW  FROM  FAIRLY. 

"  I  rose  early  in  the  morning  to  view  the  mountains  of  Ar- 
ran.  They  were  enveloped  in  clouds,  and  rendered  invisible. 
Thus,  it  occurred  to  me,  have  my  fair  prospects  in  the  land- 
scape of  life  been  often  obscured,  and  the  mists  of  sadness  or 
uncertainty  have  shed  a  gloom  over  my  spirits.  I  have  said, 
'  why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  !  my  soul,  and  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
Him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.' 

"  I  looked  again  across  the  arm  of  the  ocean  which  inter- 
vened, and  I  saw  the  clouds  becoming  gradually  thinner  ; 
the  mountains  showed  their  grotesque  and  interesting  forms, 
as  if  seen  through  a  veil,  which  at  length  dispersed,  and  the 
magnificent  group  of  hills  was  seen  in  all  its  beauty.  So,  I 
thought,  has  mercy  often  shed  her  rays  over  the  scene  of  life, 
dissolved  the  clouds  of  apprehension  and  sorrow,  and  cheer- 
ed the  whole  prospect  with  the  enlivening  light  of  hope  and 
love.  Every  mountain  raises  its  head  to  the  glory  of  God, 
and  all  their  fantastic  but  sublime  combinations  declare  his 
wisdom,  power,  and  goodness.  This  lovely  scenery  shall 
preach  to  my  soul,  and  from  its  ever-varying  features  I  will 
draw  forth  instruction,  and  subjects  for  praise  and  adoration." 

From  Aros,  island  of  Mull,  Mr.  Richmond  wrote  a  letter  to 
his  son  Wilberforce,  and  in  the  course  of  his  journey  another 
to  Mrs.  Richmond,  both  of  which  we  here  insert. 

''Aros,  August  14, 1820. 

My  dear  Wilberforce, 
**  How  little  idea  can  my  son  form  of  the  scenes  with 
which  his  father  is  surrounded,  amongst  these  Highlands  and 


BEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


253 


islands  of  the  North.  It  is  like  being  in  another  world.  In 
some  of  these  remote  islands,  where  the  Gaelic  language  is 
chiefly  spoken,  (though  not  to  the  exclusion  of  the  English,) 
where  different  manners,  dress,  habits,  dwellings,  &;c.  prevail, 

'  Tbe  world  forgetting,  by  the  world  forgot,' 

it  seems  difficult  to  conceive  that  it  is  still  Britain.  I  am  now 
on  my  way  for  Staffa  and  lona,  but  whether  the  weather  will 
be  fine  enough  to  allow  of  my  projected  excursion,  remains 
a  doubt ;  you  shall  know  before  this  letter  is  concluded.  I 
propose  this  evening  to  gather  a  little  compaay  of  Highland 
cotters,  and  to  preach  to  them  in  a  wild  glen,  in  this  roman- 
tic island.  The  parish  church  is  fifteen  miles  distant.  Yester- 
day I  came  from  Oban,  which  is  thirty- five  miles  by  sea  from 
this  place  ;  but  owing  to  the  wind  being  in  the  wrong  direc- 
tion,  we  made  tacks  amounting  to  one  hundred  miles,  before 
we  got  into  this  little  peaceful  spot.  This  is  a  little  inn — be- 
fore it  in  one  direction,  is  the  sea,  and  beyond,  a  vast  range 
of  mountains,  called  Morven,  in  Argyleshire  ;  in  another  di- 
rection, about  half  a  mile  off,  is  a  ruined  castle,  standing  on 
a  bold  knoll  and  rock,  washed  by  the  waves.  On  our  right 
hand  are  the  hills  of  the  isle  of  Mull,  covered  with  heath  and 
cottages.  Before  the  door  runs  a  salmon  stream,  rattling 
over  stones  :  above  thirty  people  were  yesterday  fishing  and 
harpooning  for  salmon  ;  fifty  of  them  weighed  from  four  to 
twenty-five  pounds  each.  Dozens  of  children  were  in  the 
river  to  catch  eels,  talking  Gaelic  with  much  vociferation  and 
"alacrity. 

"  I  think,  in  our  voyage  yesterday,  I  saw  twenty  ruined 
castles,  and  three  inhabited  ones,  and  above  twenty. five  of 
the  islands  of  the  Hebrides.  The  intelligent  boatmen  tell  you 
all  manner  of  ancient  legands  and  histories  connected  with 
them  and  their  ancient  masters.  They  carry  you  back  into 
the  days  of  Norwegian,  Danish,  and  Irish  story.  I  saw  the 
spot  where  a  par^of  the  Spanish  armada  was  wrecked  ;  and 
a  gun  still  remains  on  a  rock,  belonging  to  one  of  the  Spanish 
ships.  It  is  on  the  main-land  shore,  opposite  to  the  Isle  of 
Mull.  This  is  the  grand  scene  of  all  Ossian's  descriptions, 
and  corresponds  exactly  with  them.  All  the  ruins  are  finely 
covered  with  ivy,  and  so  are  the  rocks. 

"  We  have  had  much  rain,  and  the  mountain  torrents  run 
grandly  down  their  sides.  I  think  on  Thursday  we  counted 
350  cascades,  in  a  morning  ride  :  some  of  them  gigantic.  I 
remember  seeing  twenty-nine  at  one  view.  The  wild  magni- 
22* 


254 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


ficence  of  Highland  scenery  cannot  easily  be  conceived.  Par- 
ties of  ladies  are  amongst  the  visitants,  and  in  some  places 
hey  cheerfully  submit  to  many  privations  for  the  sake  of  the 
prospects.  I  go  into  the  cottages,  and  sit  down  with  the  poor 
people,  and  talk  with  them  on  religious  subjects,  and  receive 
rich  milk  and  whiskey  in  return.  There  is  much  grateful 
affection  about  them. 

"  In  the  map  you  may  trace  my  toute  thus  :  Carlisle,  Long- 
town,  Annan,  Dumfries,  Biggar,  Lanark,  Glasgow,  Gree- 
nock, Isle  of  Bute,  Arran,  Campbeltown,  near  the  Mull  of 
Kintyre,  Arroquhar,  Inverary,  Dalmally,  Oban.  Next,  and 
yet  to  come,  if"  all  be  well,  is  Staffa,  lona.  Fort  William,  Fort 
Augustus,  Inverness,  Tain  ;  thence  downwards  toward  Perth, 
Dundee,  and  Edinburgh.  I  am  very  thankful  to  God  for  per- 
mitting me  to  take  this  round,  and  more  so  for  making  my 
services  very  acceptable,  and  I  hope  useful.  The  tempest- 
beaten  glens,  the  secluded  isles,  the  populous  towns,  the  ro- 
mantic villages,  all  in  their  turn  bear  witness  to  the  declara- 
tion of '  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.'  I  have  a  truly  congenial 
companion  in  the  *  Clemens'  of  the  Christian  Guardian  ;*  he 
is  just  what  I  want,  both  for  soul  and  body,  and  in  each  de- 
votes himself  to  my  aid  and  comfort  most  assiduously.  Our 
views,  principles,  taste,  and  feelings,  strictly  accord.  He  is 
a  student  of  divinity  in  the  University  at  Edinburgh,  and  pre- 
paring for  the  Scotch  church.  I  left  Mary  with  Dr.  S.  last 
Tuesday  ;  she  will  soon  go  to  Edinburgh,  and  wait  till  my  re- 
turn from  the  North  of  Scotland.  I  shall  now  lay  down  my 
pen,  and  probably  not  resume  it  until  the  point  is  decided,  to- 
morrow or  next  day,  whether  the  rain  will  allow  of  our  visit- 
ing these  most  interesting  of  islands,  Staffa  and  lona.  The 
latter  is  thirty  miles  from  hence  ;  the  former,  twenty,  but  on 
the  opposite  side. 

"  Tuesday,  Aug.  15.  Very  wet,  and  we  cannot  proceed. 
Both  lona,  at  twenty,  and  Staffa,  at  ten  miles  distance,  are  in 
sight,  but  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  we  shall  reach  them,  as 
the  Atlantic  is  full  of  mists,  rain,  and  wifftl.  I  am  waiting 
patiently  for  better  weather,  in  a  little  inn,  in  this  little  island, 
five  miles  by  three. 

"  —  18.  My  dear  boy,  I  have  seen  Staffa,  and  write  this 
from  lona.  What  I  shall  say  I  know  not,  for  really  I  can 
say  nothing  as  I  ought.  When  I  entered  the  cave  oflFipgaK 
1  knew  not  whether  to  burst  out  into  one  unceasing  cry  of  as- 


*        Rev.  Dr.  Pitcairn. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


255 


lonishment,  meditate  in  unbroken  silence  of  overwhelming 
wonder,  or  fall  down  upon  my  knees,  in  devout  adoration  of 
Him  who  formed  such  a  scene  of  sublime  beauty.  It  beggars 
all  description.  This  was  on  Wednesday  :  after  waiting  four 
days  for  weather,  yesterday  we  arrived  at  this  lonely  scene 
of  ruins  and  curiosities,  and  it  more  than  answers  all  my  ex- 
pectations. Think  of  all  we  have  read  about  lona,  and  im- 
agine then  a  small  part  of  my  sensations." 

"  My  dear  Love, — It  would  be  no  easy  task  to  describe 
'the  laborious  circuit  of  engagements  and  accompanying  so- 
licitudes, in  which  I  am  deeply  engaged.  Next  week  I  enter 
the  depths  of  the  Highlands,  and  so  far  north  :  if  all  be  well, 
the  week  after  next  I  shall  reach  Staffa,  the  isle  of  wonders  ; 
and  lona,  the  isle  of  caves  and  kings.  Amongst  the  spiritual 
mercies,  I  have  this  week  met  with,  are  three  new  and  dis- 
tinct instances  of  the  conversions  and  happy  deaths  of  chil- 
dren in  Glasgow,  Paisley,  and  Greenock ;  two,  through 
*  Little  Jane.'  The  wide  dispersion  of,  and  impression  con- 
nected with  these  tracts  in  Scotland,  is  scarcely  credible.  I 
have,  in  this  respect,  seen  far  beyond  'the  travail  of  my  soul.' 
When  I  reflect  upon  the  simplicity  of  their  origin,  and  the 
little  idea  entertained  of  their  ever  going  beyond  the  limited 
circulation  of  the  Christian  Guardian,  I  am  sometimes  lost  in 
wonder  at  the  success  attending  their  publication.  Surely, 
we  may  unitedly  praise  God  for  his  unspeakable  mercy  to  us 
in  this  one  unexampled  instance. 

*'  This  situation  is  very  lovely  :  near  it  stands  the  seat  of 
Lord  Blantyre,  Mrs.  Stewart's  brother.  Close  by  flows  the 
magnificent  river  Clyde,  widening  gradually  from  200  yards, 
to  three  miles  in  breadth.  Highly  cultivated  scenery  is  back- 
ed by  stupendous  groups  of  vast  Highland  mountains,  forming 
the  very  first  class  of  landscape.  Ruined  castles,  elegant 
mansions,  sea-port  towns,  woods,  rocks,  promontories,  boats, 
ships,  banks,  succeed  each  other.  Ben  Lomond  is  seen  in 
all  his  ponderous  grandeur,  and  so  is  Benledi.  The  whole 
neighbouring  scenery  is  indeed  very  fine. 

"  I  preach  three  times  at  Paisley  to-morrow ;  at  Glasgow 
on  Monday  ;  at  Rothsay,  in  the  Isle  of  Bute,  on  Wednesday  ; 
at  Greenock  on  Thursday  ;  at  Port  Glasgow  on  Friday  ;  at 
Arroquhar  on  Sunday  week." 

Mr.  Richmond  visited  the  island  of  lona  twice  ;  he  found 
there  neither  temple  nor  ordinances  of  religious  worship,  ex- 


256 


HEMOIRS  OF  THE 


cept  in  the  occasional  visits  of  a  Scotch  minister  from  an 
adjacent  island  ;  and  the  appointment  of  a  schoolmaster,  who 
assembled  the  children  in  a  rude  building. 

From  lona  Mr.  Richmond  visited  Staffa.  We  extract  a 
few  memoranda  from  his  Diary,  written  at  this  time. 

"  Aug.  19.  Set  off  for  a  second  view  of  StafTa.  We  took 
the  good  schoolmaster  and  his  wife  with  us.  No  words  can 
describe  the  whole  :  we  had  the  afternoon  sun  upon  all  the 
most  striking  features  of  this  magnificent  group.  The  water 
was  so  calm  that  we  went  into  the  great  cave  in  the  boat,  and 
thus  obtained  the  finest  view  possible.  We  sang  a  hymn  ;  it 
was  sweetly  echoed.  Rows  of  prismatic  pillars  ;--their  crown 
twisted — pillars  in  all  directions — an  immense  one  at  the 
end  of  the  cave — shells  on  rocks — covering  of  the  roof — ruins 
of  lona  seen  from  the  cave — sound  of  the  surf — causeway  of 
broken  pillars — cattle  feeding  above — light  and  shade — cas- 
cades of  surf — spray  dashing — scenery  much  improved  by 
the  clearness  of  the  day — lona  huts — peculiar  statistics  of 
lona — schoolmaster's  account — no  clock,  but  sun  and  tide — 
seven  watches — no  shop — four  sermons  a  year ;  once,  four  a 
day — schoolmaster  reads  weekly. 

"  Conversation  this  day  in  the  boat  very  interesting.  Re- 
turned to  lona  at  eight  o'clock.  Drank  tea  with  the  good 
schoolmaster. 

"  Aug.  20. — Sunday.  Willy's  birthday  ;  God  bless  him  ! 
Breakfast  conversation  with  schoolmaster.  Plan  for  build- 
ing a  schoolhouse.  Preparation  for  sermon.  Sweet  quiet- 
ness of  this  island.  Sabbath  morning.  Went  at  eleven  to 
the  schoolhouse,  and  gave  a  service.  I  preached  to  a  large 
company  of  these  poor  lonans,  from  2  Cor.  v.  Delightful ! 
(the  room,  roof,  windows,  floor,  desk,  forms,  people,  &c.) 
Then  I  went  and  passed  two  hours  alone,  amid  the  ruins  and 
graves.    Had  solemn  and  peaceful  meditations  ! 

"  At  four  gave  another  service,  preaching  from  Luke  xxiv, 
47.  At  half-past  six  gave  a  third,  chiefly  to  the  children. 
The  last,  by  the  schoolmaster  interpreting  in  Gaelic,  sentence 
by  sentence.  Much  affection.  It  was  an  interesting  experi- 
ment ;  he  prayed,  read,  and  sang  in  Gaelic. 

Passed  a  most  comfortable  evening,  in  conversation  with, 
these  worthy  lonians.  Surely,  I  have  learned  much  here  ! 
A  day  to  be  remembered.  I  hope  to  raise  a  sufficient  sub- 
scription to  build  a  new  schoolhouse  for  lona. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


257 


"  Moon  setting.  Stars  most  bright  at  eleven.  All  reflected 
on  the  ocean,  on  the  ruins,  and  from  the  hills  and  rocks." 

It  will  excite  no  surprise,  that  a  man  of  Mr.  Richmond's 
piety  and  taste  should  avail  himself  of  this  opportunity  to  visit 
the  once  celebrated  island  of  lona,  one  of  the  Hebrides.  lona 
now  contains  only  one  village,  with  mean  houses,  and  about 
400  inhabitants.  It  is  the  most  noted  place  of  Caledonian 
antiquity.*  It  was  formerly  the  seat  of  the  Druids,  some  of 
whose  sepulchral  remains  are  still  extant.  Christianity  was 
introduced  into  this  island  by  St.  Columba,  after  whom  it  was 
called  I-colum-kill,  or  Columba's  Cell.  St.  Columba  came 
from  Ireland  to  lona  in  the  sixth  century,  accompanied  by 
.twelve  disciples,  through  whose  missionary  labors  the  greater 
part  of  Scotland  was  converted  to  the  Christian  faith.  The 
college  founded  by  St.  Columba  was  the  seat  and  centre  of 
literature  and  piety  ;  and  from  hence  these  blessings  were  dif- 
fused, not  only  over  the  British  islands  but  throughout  a  great 
part  of  Europe.  The  ruins  of  these  ancient  edifices  still  re- 
main as  memorials  of  the  apostolical  labors  of  Columba,  his 
associates  and  successors.  lona  is  the  burial  place  of  forty, 
eight  Scotch  crowned  heads,  four  Irish  kings,  eight  Norwe. 
gian  princes  or  viceroys  of  the  island,  and  a  multitude  of  no- 
bility and  religious  orders.  It  had  also  360  crosses,  which 
were  all  destroyed,  except  one,  at  the  Reformation.  The 
ruin  of  the  once  splendid  cathedral  cannot  fail  to  intei*est  the 
traveller,  and  to  excite  the  deepest  emotion  in  the  heart  of  the 
Christian.  It  was  under  the  influence  of  recollections  like 
these,  that  Dr.  Johnson  composed  the  following  celebrated 
passage. 

"  We  were  now  treading  that  illustrious  island  which  was 
once  the  luminary  of  the  Caledonian  regions:  whence  savage 
clans,  and  roving  barbarians  derived  the  benefit  of  know- 
ledge and  the  blessings  of  religion.  To  abstract  the  mind 
from  all  local  emotion  would  be  impossible  if  it  were  endea- 
vored, and  would  be  foolish  if  it  were  possible.  Whatever 
Di^ithdraws  us  from  the  power  of  our  senses  ;  whatever  makes 
the  past,  the  distant,  or  the  future  predominate  over  the  pre- 
sent, advances  us  in  the  dignity  of  thinking  beings.  Far  from 
me,  and  from  my  friends,  be  such  frigid  philosophy,  as  may 
conduct  us,  indifferent  and  unmoved,  over  any  ground  which 

*  We  refer  tlie  reader  to  Penant's  Tour  through  Scotland,  and  Johnson's 
Tour  to  the  Hebrides,  for  further  information. 


258 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


has  been  dignified  by  wisdom,  bravery,  and  virtue.  The  man 
is  httle  to  be  envied,  whose  patriotism  would  not  gain  force 
upon  the  plains  bi*  Marathon,  or  whose  piety  would  not  grow 
warmer  among  the  ruins  of  lona."* 

From  lona,  he  wrote  to  Mrs.  Richmond  : 

"  I  am  persuaded  that  my  dearest  Mary  will  not  only  allow 
me  to  express  the  strong  sensations  of  my  own  heart,  as  con- 
nected with  the  remote  and  magnificent  scenes  in  which  a 
kind  Providence  is  at  present  placing  me,  but  will  sym- 
pathize and  share  them  with  me.  Had  I  not  sent  off' a  let- 
ter two  days  since  to  Wilberforce,  I  would  on  this  day 
have  written  to  him,  as  it  is  his  birthday,  which  has  been 
the  subject  of  my  early  and  earnest  morning  prayer,  on 
a  sabbath  spent  in  this  extraordinary  and  interesting  island. 
You  are  not  altogether  unaware  of  the  peculiar  feelings  and 
wishes  which,  for  many  years,  I  have  cherished  in  regard  to 
these  islands  ;  and  now  the  desire  has  been  fully  answered. 
You  can  form  little  idea  of  the  characteristics  of  every  thing 
and  every  body  around  me.  The  novelty,  simplicity,  singu- 
larity, the  tout  ensemble  is  indescribable.  I  have  been  obli- 
ged tq  wait  a  whole  week  for  suitable  weather,  and  almost 
despaired  of  success,  but  I  regret  it  not  now.  '  God  waits 
upon  the  waiters,'  and  we  experience  it.  No  one  can  visit 
these  islands  without  allotting  from  a  week  to  a  fortnight  of 
disposable  time  for  the  purpose.  You  have  seen  my  prints  of 
Staffa  ;  but  you  have  not  seen  them  large  and  solid  as  the 
original.  The  sublimity,  beauty,  magnificence,  singularities, 
wildness,  and  overwhelming  influence  of  the  whole,  quite  stop 
my  pen,  and  my  breath,  when  I  attempt  either  to  write  or 
speak  on  the  subject.  I  have  made  two  separate  visits  to 
Staffa,  and  seen  it  within,  and  without,  with  every  possible 
advantage.  My  travelling  friend,  Mr.  P.,  is  of  a  truly  con- 
genial mind,  and  we  have  mutual  pleasure  in  using  the 
scenes  of  nature  as  means  of  grace. 

lona  is  delightful  in  another  way.  Here,  amid  the  ruins 
of  ancient  grandeur,  piety,  and  literature — surrounded  by 
the  graves  and  mouldering  gravestones  of  kings,  chieftains, 

*  See  Journey  to  the  Western  Islands  of  Scotland,  by  Dr.  Johnson.  Bos- 
well,  in  his  life  of  Dr.  Johnson,  relates  the  following  anecdote  respecting  this 
passage  : — "  Sir  Joseph  Banks,"  he  observes,  '*  the  respectable  president  of 
tlie  Royal  Society,  told  rae  he  was  so  much  struck  on  reading  it,  that  he  clasp- 
ed his  hands  together,  and  remained  for  some  time  in  an  attitude  of  silent  ad- 
miration." 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


259 


lords  of  the  isles,  bishops,  priests,  abbesses,  nuns,  and 
friars — the  scene  decorated  with  the  fine  and  romantic  re- 
mains of  cathedral,  colleges,  nunnery,  chapels,  and  oratorios, 
with  views  of  islands,  seas,  rocks,  mountains,  interspersed 
(vith  the  humble  huts  of  these  poor  islanders  ; — I  am  just  pre- 
paring to  preach  to  as  many  of  them  as  can  understand 
English,  in  the  open  air.  A  rock  my  pulpit,  and  heaven  my 
sounding-board  ;  may  the  echo  i  esound  to  their  hearts.  In 
the  evening,  I  expect  to  preach  by  a  Gaelic  interpreter,  to 
the  whole  company  of  islanders,  sentence  after  sentence  be- 
ing translated  as  I  utter  them.  I  trust  I  am  following  up  the 
spiritual  example  and  wishes  of  my  friend  C,  and  that  some 
good  will  result  from  this  visit.  This  will  more  than  repay  the 
delay  occasioned  in  my  journey,  by  this  most  interesting  ex- 
cursion t^  the  Hebrides.  It  will  somewhat  lengthen  my  jour- 
ney and  time  ;  but  I  feel  a  persuasion  that  my  own  soul  and 
those  of  others  are  to  profit  by  it.  Join  your  prayers  to  mine, 
that  it  may  be  so. 

"  Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  given  three  services, 
under  circumstances  most  interesting  and  novel,  to  these 
poor  islanders  of  Icolumbkill.  The  last  by  a  Gaelic  interpre- 
:er,  who  translated  every  sentence,  after  I  had  delivered  it 
n  English.    I  passed  near  two  hours  alone,  amid  the  ruins 
ind  graves  of  the  cathedral.    It  is  a  most  solemn  and  peace- 
ul  meditation  :  and  here,  you  may  tell  Willy,  I  knelt  down 
ipon  the  graves  of  ancient  monarchs,  mouldering  in  the  dust, 
md  prayed  God  to  '  remember  him  for  good    to  make  him  a 
loly  and  happy  being,  both  in  time  and  eternity.  I  asked  of 
he  Lord,  that  my  child  might  share  in  the  Christian  privi- 
eges,  character,  and  literature  of  the  once  renowned  Chris- 
ian  divines  of  lona,  the  missionaries  and  theologians  of  a 
•rimitive  period,  on  whose  ashes  I  was  treading ;  I  prayed 
hat  if  (and  only  if)  his  heart  were  rightly  directed,  God 
v'ould  make  him  a  minister  of  Christ's  church  on  earth  ;  but 
hat  he  might  never  enter  on  the  sacred  ofiice,  if  likely  to  be 
.  careless,  carnal,  unconverted  servant  of  the  sanctuary.  My 
eart  was  full  of  holy  freedom,  as  I  offered  up  a  father's  pe- 
ition  on  the  birthday  of  my  child." 

The  following  is  a  letter  addressed  to  his  son,  at  this  time, 
ontaining  a  most  impressive  appeal  on  the  subject  of  the 
Christian  ministry : — 


260 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


My  dear  Boy, 

^  *  *  *  *  * 

*'  It  is  high  time  that  you  and  I  should  communicate  fre- 
quently,  intimately,  and  confidentially.  If  this  is  not  to  be 
expected  by  the  time  you  have  arrived  at  fifteen,  when  is  it 
to  be  looked  for  ?  On  one  account,  I  have  more  solicitude, 
and  even  dread,  on  your  behalf,  than  for  any  of  my  children. 
Earnestly  as  I  should  wish  a  son  of  mine  to  be  a  minister, 
yet  I  tremble  at  the  idea  of  educating  and  devoting  a. son  to 
the  sacred  profession,  without  a  previous  satisfactory  evi- 
dence  that  his  own  soul  was  right  with  God.  Without  this, 
you  and  I  should  be  guilty  of  a  most  awful  sin  in  his  sight.  To 
any,  and  every  other  good  profession,  trade,  or  occupation, 
it  may  be  lawful  and  expedient  to  fix  with  some  degree  of 
determination,  long  before  entering  upon  it ;  but  the  ministry 
is  an  exception.  Even  St.  Paul  himself  trembles  at  his  re- 
sponsibility, and  exclaims,  '  lest,  when  I  have  preached  to 
others,  I  myself  should  be  a  cast-away.'  I  consider  personal 
religion,  accompanied  and  evidenced  by  personal  conduct,  to 
be  indispensable  in  the  individual,  before  either  he,  or  another 
for  him,  fixes  on  the  ministry  for  his  profession.  And  I  will 
not  hesitate  to  say  to  you  that,  honored,  and  happy  as  I  should 
feel,  in  being  permitted  to  see  you  a  faithful  preacher  of 
righteousness,  adorning  the  Gospel  which  you  would  proclaim 
to  others  ; — yet  without  this,  I  would  rather  a  thousand  times 
see  you  a  mason,  or  in  the  humblest  capacity  in  life.  I  know 
what  the  office  is  :  and  a  penitent  sense  of  my  own  deficien- 
cies teaches  me  to  be  fearful,  and  to  tremble  for  those  of 
others  :  how  much  more  so  in  the  case  of  my  own  child  ? 

"  The  national  church  groans  and  bleeds,  *  from  the  crown 
of  its  head  to  the  sole  of  its  feet,'  through  the  daily  intrusion 
of  unworthy  men  into  its  ministry.  Patrons,  parents,  tutors, 
colleges,  are  annually  pouring  a  torrent  of  incompetent 
youths  into  the  church,  and  loading  the  nation  with  spiritual 
guilt.  Hence,  souls  are  neglected  and  ruined  ;  bigotry  and  ig- 
norance prevail,  church  pride  triumphs  over  church  godliness, 
and  the  Establishment  is  despised,  deserted,  and  wounded. 
Shall  you  and  I  deepen  these  wounds  ? — Shall  we  add  one 
more  unit  to  the  numbers  of  the  unworthy  and  traitorous  watch- 
men on  the  towers  of  our  British  Jerusalem?  God  forbid !  But 
to  avoid  so  sad  a  departure  from  every  principle  of  sacred  or- 
der  and  conscience,  you  must  become  an  humble,  seriously- 
minded,  consistent  young  disciple  of  Christ ;  a  diligent  student, 


REV.   LEGH  RICH>IO^'D. 


261 


obedient  son,  a  loving  brother,  a  grateful  worshipper,  a  sim- 
pie-hearted  Chrislian.  And  /  must  feel  comfortably  satisfied 
that  you  are  so  ;  or  with  what  conscience,  with  what  hope, 
with  what  satisfaction,  with  what  peace  of  mind,  can  I  consent 
to  devote  you  to  the  most  sacred,  the  most  important,  the 
most  responsible  of  all  offices  within  the  compass  of  human 
existence. 

"  Now,  I  will  not,  and  ought  not  to  conceal  from  you,  that, 
however  accustomed  we  may  all  have-  been  to  talk  of  you 
as  a  future  clergyman,  I  dare  not  decide  upon  any  such  plan 
without  a  much  clearer  evidence  than  I  have  yet  seen,  that 
your  actual  state  of  feelings  and  conduct,  temper  and  con- 
versation,  habitual  and  permanent  thoughts  are  such-as  will 
justify  me  in  coming  to  so  solemn  a  determination  on  my  own 
part . 

"  I  say  this  with  anxiety,  and  write  it  with  fear,  as  my  pen 
proceeds  ;  but  I  say  it  with  earnest  prayers  for  the  real  con- 
version of  your  soul  to  God,  and  with  some  hope  that  He  will 
hear  the  petitions  which  1  have  offered  up  for  you  through 
many  a  long  year.  I  still  repeat  it,  that  I  never  can  consent 
to  put  my  seal  to  the  question  of  the  ministry,  unless,  and  un- 
til I  have  some  satisfactory  proof  of  your  heart  being  turned 
to  God,  in  holy  consistency  and  permanence  of  character. 

"  Let  these  pages  be  a  testimony  before  God — and  keep 
them  as  a  sign  between  you  and  me — that  1  am  in  earnest, 
as  to  a  subject  where  indifference  would  be  sin. 

"  I  have  long  been  studying  your  character,  in  the  hourly 
events  of  each  day,  in  immediate  reference  to  this  point.  Re- 
member, '  they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified  the  fiesh,  with 
its  affections  and  lusts  :'  crucify  yours.  Pursue  your  studies 
with  diligence  :  you  may  do  great  things  for  yourself,  even 
without  help — although  1  grant,  much  better  with  it.  But 
'  work  while  it  is  day  ;  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can 
work.'    Believe  me  your  affectionate  father,        L.  R." 

May  the  above  serious  and  highly  appropriate  remarks  be 
deeply  impressed  on  every  youthful  aspirant  to  the  ministe- 
rial office.  And  may  every  parent,  before  he  finally  destines 
his  child  for  so  sacred  a  profession,  pause,  and  maturely  weigh 
the  responsibility  of  the  act  :  and,  as  a  further  stimulant  to 
his  conscience,  may  he  contemplate  Mr.  Richmond  praying 
for  his  son,  amidst  the  graves  and  ruins  of  lona. 

We  have  already  noticed  the  cheerful  character  of  Mr. 
Richmond's  piety.  The  kindness  of  his  heart  led  him  to  ex- 
•23 


262  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

pehence  an  exquisite  satisfaction  in  imparting  pleasure.  It 
seemed  to  be  his  constant  aim  "  to  instruct  by  pleasing ;"  and 
he  entered  into  every  innocent  feeling  of  children,  and  readily 
shared  their  recreations.  The  school  at  lona  particularly  m- 
terested  him  ;  and  he  soon  gained  on  the  children's  affections, 
who  listened  to  his  instructions  with  confiding  simplicity. 
Before  he  quitted  lona,  he  Rewarded  their  diligent  attendance 
with  a  public  entertainment.  The  best  sheep  to  be  found 
in  the  island  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of  six  shillings. 
But  a  difficulty  arose  on  the  occasion, —  there  was  fuel  to 
roast  it,  but  the  whole  domain  could  not  supply  the  neces- 
sary apparatus  for  its  dissection.  The  children  assembled  on 
shore,  and  picked  up  shells,  to  answer  the  purpose  of  knives 
and  forks. 

How  interesting  a  scene  !  Two  hundred  children  and  their 
parents,  assembled  on  the  sea-shore, — every  countenance 
beaming  with  delight !  The  hearts  of  the  guests  might  be 
full  of  joy  in  the  novelty  of  the  amusement,  and  in  the  hos- 
pitality  of  their  benefactor;  but  the  master  of  the  feast, 
amidst  the  wreck  of  greatness,  the  tombs  of  the  mighty  dead, 
and  the  anticipation  of  the  revival  of  former  piety  among 
these  remote  islanders,  would  taste  the  higher  luxury  of  do- 
ing  good. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  festivity,  all  sung  the  following 
hymn,  which  Mr.  Richmond,  in  the  glow  of  his  benevolent 
feelings,  had  instantaneously  composed,  and  which  was  in- 
terpreted  by  the  schoolmaster.  The  precipitation  with 
which  these  lines  were  composed,  must  disarm  the  severity 
of  criticism  ; —  • 

"  Thou  God  of  all  grace  O  omnipotent  Lord, 
Fill  our  hearts  with  the  power  of  thy  soul-saving  word! 
Have  mercy,  Jeliovah  !  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  icolunibkill ! 

I"  Thy  Spirit  came  once  on  liie  wings  of  a  '  dove." 
And  proved  to  our  (atiiers  hov,'  great  was  thy  love : 
Have  mercy  again,  Lord !  and  be  it  tliy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Ico^umbkill ! 

When  idolatrous  Druids  polU»*e3  the  land, 
To  banish  them  lience  thtnt  tiidst  stretch  forth  thy  hand: 
'J'hou  art  still  the  same  Lord  ;  iind  oh  !  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolunibkill ! 

"  Ori  thee  all  our  hope,  in  our  poverty,  sliiys — 
Revive,  Lord,  thy  work,  in  the  midst  of  the  days: 
We  will  trust  thee,  O  Lord  !  then  be  it  (liy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumbkiill 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


363 


"  Thouirli  remote  be  our  dwelling  and  liumljle  our  lot, 
Yet  our  God  has  a  blessing  for  each  liitle  cot. 

Ilave  mercy,  dear  Saviour!  and  be  ittliy  will  , 
To  save  the  poorcliildren  of  Icolumbkill ! 

"  May  our  breasts  feel  the  power  of  the  blood  that  vpas  shed, 
When  Christ  on  the  cross  for  oursins  '  bowed  his  liead.' 
May  that  blood  l)e  our  trust;  aud  oh  !  be  it  thy  will 
To  'save  ihe  poor  children  of  Icolumbkill ! 

"Bless  our  parents  and  teacliers,  and  make  it  their  joy 
In  seeking  our  welfare  their  time  to  employ  ; 
Oh  I  bless  their  instructions;  and  be  it  thy  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  Icolumbkill! 

"Now  hear  our  petition,  O  God  of  the  Isles! 
That  we  all  may  partake  of  ihy  heavenly  smiles  : 
In  life  and  in  death  be  thou  merciful  still, 
And  save  the  poor  childreu  of  Icolumbkill! 

"And  at  the  last  day,  Avhen  our  bodies  slinll  rise, 
To  behold  the  great  Saviour  and  Judge  in  the  skies — 
Then  let  ii  be  known  'twas  thy  pleasure  and  will 
To  save  the  poor  children  of  icolumbkill." 

Mr.  Richmond,  during  his  visit  to  lona,  frequently  preach- 
ed in  the  schoolhouse.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  he  advert- 
ed to  the  Jev/ish  mission.  The  hum  of  the  children  was 
heard,  "  We  will  give,  we  will  give  !"  Some  persons  present 
attempted  to  check  their  zeal,  and  keep  silence,  but  all  voices 
were  raised  in  reply — "  The  bairns  will  have  it — the  bairns 
will  have  it !"  meaning  the  children  would  make  a  collection  : 
and  they  presented  to  him  the  sum  of  2Z.  Os.  9d.*  If  not  all 
their  living,  yet  a  magnificent  offering  to  Him  whose  grace 
had  touched  their  hearts  and  inspired  their  zeal.  Of  these 
poor  islanders  it  might  be  truly  said,  "  Their  deep  poverty- 
abounded  unto  the  riches  of  their  liberality." 

The  impression  made  on  the  people  of  lona  by  Mr.  Rich- 
rtiond's  visit,  appears  fronti  the  following  anecdote.  He  had 
hired  a  boat  and  two  sailors,  to  take  him  to  Fingal's  cave,  a 
place  of  great  curiosity,  and  of  which  he  never  spoke  without 
the  deepest  emotion.  On  his  return,  he  asked  the  boatmen 
what  he  had  to  pay  them.  But  they  refused  to  accept  any 
remuneration  ;  and  though  he  urged  them  to  name  their 
charge,  they  firmly  persisted  in  their  resolution  ;  looked  at 
him  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  and  exclaiming,  "No,  no,  no,  sir. 
Love  has  brought  you  to  lona,  and  love  shall  find  you  a  boat." 

*  This  seems  a  large  sum  for  lona,  but  we  have  the  authority  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's journal  for  the  fact ;  where  it  is  also  stated,  that  he  repeatedly  declined 
accepting  the  boon,  but  the  islanders  forced  it  upon  him,  as  a  testimony  of 
their  regard  to  liim  and  to  his  cause. 


264 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Mr.  Ricnmond,  before  he  quitted  this  interesting  scene  of 
his  labours,  addressed  the  children  ;  about  200  of  whom  were 
present.  The  master  desired  that  as  many  as  wished  to 
thank  their  benefactor  for  his  kindness  to  them,  would  lift  up 
their  hands.  All  raised  their  hands  above  t-heir  heads.  "  Is 
this  from  your  hearts  ?"  said  the  master.  Instantly  one  hand 
was  laid  on  their  hearts,  the  other  remaining  up  :  and 
in  this  posture,"  says  Mr.  Richmond,  in  his  journal,  "  the 
dear  children  stood,  while  I  gave  them  a  parting  blessing. 
It  was  a  most  touching  sight." 

He  left  lona  amidst  the  tears  of  its  population,  nearly  the 
whole  of  whom  attended  him  to  the  sea-shore,  with  the  most 
lively  demonstrations  of  gratitude  and  love. 

"  Farewell,"  he  observes,  "  dear,  interesting  lona.  May  I 
think  much  and  profitably  on  my  visit,  and  on  what  1  saw  and 
enjoyed  there." 

Before  he  quitted  the  island  he  had  formed  a  plan  for 
raising,  by  subscription, -the  means  of  building  a  new  school- 
house,  and  providing  a  permanent  salary  for  the  master. 

With  a  view  to  prepare  his  Scotch  friends  for  the  design, 
he  wrote  to  his  daughter  Mary,  whom  he  left  at  Edinburgh. 

"  My  dear  Mary, 

"  Nothing  ever  equalled  Staffa  in  one  point  of  view, 
or  lona  in  another  ;  no  words  of  mine  will  ever  reach  of 
approach  what  I  should  wish  to  say  ;  but  I  thank  God  for 
what  I  have  seen. 

"  Tell  all  our  good  friends,  that  my  anxiety  to  promote  the 
welfare  of  the  poor  islanders  of  lona  has  led  me  tourjdertake 
the  raising  a  subscription  to  build  a  schoolroom  ;  which, 
with  the  aid  of  the  schoolmaster,  of  most  true  and  godly  sim- 
plicity,  will  be  of  essential  benefit  to  the  place.  About  90/.  will 
be  wanted,  and  I  sincerely  hope  to  succeed  in  raising  it.  I 
have  spent  three  days  and  a  sabbath  among  them.  I  preached 
thrice  there  ;  the  opportunity  was  delightful,  and  affecting  in 
the  highest  degree.  Pray  use  your  influence  to  prepare  the 
way  before  I  come.  The  money  will  be  admirably  laid  out 
for  the  good  of  the  island.  I  have  pledged  myself  for  the 
attempt,  and  trust  God  will  prosper  it.  I  hope  my  petition 
will  prevail  with  those  who  wish  well  to  the  poor  islanders. 
The  prayers,  tears,  and  blessings  of  the  dear  people  follow, 
ed  us  to  the  shore,  as  I  departed.  It  was  a  time  much  to  be 
remembered. 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


265 


On  Mr.  Richmond's  return  to  Edinburgh,  he  made  the 
following  appeal  to  the  Scotch  public  : 

loNA. — A  friend  to  the  religious  education  and  improve- 
ment of  the  inhabitants  of  the  western  islands  of  Scotland,  has 
recently  visited  the  interesting  island  of  lona  (or  Icolumbkill.) 
The  island  is  an  appendage  to  a  parish  in  the  adjacent  isle  of 
Mull.    Divine  service  is  performed  in  lona,  by  the  minister, 
four  times  a  year.    There  is  a  school  in  lona,  under  the 
charge  of  a  pious  master,  who  receives  a  salary  from  the 
Society  for  promoting  Christian  Knov/ledge  in  the  Highlands 
and  Islands  of  Scotland.  This  schoolmaster  reads  a  sermon  to 
several  of  the  inhabitants,  every  sabbath-day  ;  but  the  house 
appropriated  to  the  purpose  of  the  school  is  in  so  ruinous  a 
state,  and  so  very  unsuitable  to  the  design  in  regard  to  size, 
light,  and  general  convenience,  that  neither  the  education  of 
the  children  nor  the  instruction  of  the  adults,  can  be  carried 
on  with  advantage.    The  inhabitants  of  this  remote  island, 
are  450  in  number.    In  the  hope  of  promoting  their  religious 
and  moral  welfare,  it  is  proposed  to  raise  a  subscription  for 
the  building  of  a  very  plain  but  commodious  schoolroom,  for 
the  instruction  of  the  islanders.    The  tenants  and  cotters 
are  too  poor  to  raise  a  subscription  amongst  themselves,  al- 
though they  are  desirous  that  such  a  house  should  be  built, 
and  will  assist  in  the  carting  and  carrying  of  the  materials  to 
the  place.  '  Gold  and  silver  they  have  none  ;  but  such  as  they 
have  they  will  give  to  the  cause.'  The  schoolmaster  is  much 
esteemed  amongst  them,  and  has  been  the  instrument  of  con- 
siderable usefulness  to  the  inhabitants ;  and  there  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that  the  accommodation  thus  proposed  will, 
if  carried  into  execution,  greatly  increase  it.    The  requisite 
steps  will  be  taken  to  ensure  the  permanent  appropriation  of 
the  building  to  the  purpose  for  which  the  subscription  is  raised. 
It  is  estimated  that  90Z.  will  be  adequate  to  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  plan. 

"  It  may  be  a  subject  of  affecting  consideration,  that  this 
humbled  schoolhouse  will  be  erected  in  the  very  midst  of  the 
venerable  ruins  of  many  religious  and  literary  establishments  ; 
from  which,  in  the  earlier  periods  of  Scottish  history,  piety 
and  learning  were  diffused  through  a  large  portion  of  Europe, 
as  well  as  in  the  British  islands ;  and  they  still  remain,  as 
memorials  of  the  apostolical  labors  of  Columba,  his  associates, 
and  successors.  There,  likewise,  mingled  with  the  grave  of 
the  poor  Islanders,  lie  the  remains  of  numerous  kings  of 
Scotland,  Ireland,  and  Norway, — of  the  lords  of  the  isl^s, 
23* 


266 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


and  of  innumerable  chieftains,  who  were  long  since  buried  in 
this  once  chosen  cemetery  of  royalty  and  ancient  grandeur. 

"  The  associations  arising  from  a  comparison  between  the 
former  and  present  condition  of  this  little  island,  may  perhaps 
be  allowed  to  plead  an  additional  argument  for  this  attempt  to 
ameliorate  the  situation  of  its  present  and  future  inhabitants, 
by  affording  increased  facilities  and  encouragements  to  their 
education  and  instruction. 

"  Amongst  the  various  appeals  which  are  now  making  to  the 
Christian  public,  in  behalf  of  the  Highlands  and  Islands  of 
Scotland,  it  is  hoped  that  the  present  may  be  allowed  to  rank 
as  not  the  least  interesting. 

Subscriptions,  and  names  of  subscribers,  will  be  received 
by  Robert  Hepburne,  Esq.,  Edinburgh  ;  who  has  kindly  un. 
dertaken  to  act  as  treasurer.  The  Rev.  Legh  Richmond  has 
also  engaged  to  conduct  the  correspondence,  and  the  arrange- 
ments requisite  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  building. 

At  this  time  he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his  daughter 
Fanny : — 

"  Since  I  wrote  my  last,  I  have  abundantly  succeeded  in 
StafFa  and  lona.  No  words  can  express  the  astonishing  sub- 
limity, beauty,  grandeur,  and  unique  character  of  the  former  ; 
or  the  deep  and  affecting  interest  excited  by  the  ruins  and 
associations  of  the  latter  island.  I  slept  four  nights  therein, 
in  a  little  hut,  such  as  you  never  saw,  amid  the  venerable 
ruins  of  all  the  great  literary  and  religious  establishments  of 
ancient  days,  when  lona  was  the  fountain  of  learning  and 
piety  to  all  Europe.  I  preached  there  thrice  on  Sunday 
se'nnight,  to  such  a  group  of  poor  islanders,  in  such  a  poor 
place,  as  you  cannot  easily  conceive  ;  and  between  the  ser- 
vices I  went  and  locked  myself  up  for  affecting  meditation, 
amidst  the  ruins  of  the  once  grand  cathedral  of  St.  Columba  ; 
and  walked  upon  the  graves  of  numberless  kings  of  Scotland, 
Ireland,  and  Norway, — lords  of  the  isles,  chieftains  of  all  the 
clans,  bishops,  priors,  abbesses,  nuns,  and  friars  ;  who  lie  here 
in  wild  confusion,  mingled  with  the  poor  forefathers  of  the 
present  islanders.  By  day,  the  sun  shone — and  by  night 
a  lovely  moon  illuminated  the  splendid  panorama  of  ocean, 
eighteen  islands,  innumerable  mountains,  ranges  of  vast 
rocks,  ruins,  peasants'  huts,  ships,  boats,  and  a  countless  group 
of  other  interesting  objects.  As  but  a  small  part  of  those 
poor  lonians  can  understand  English,  I  preached  to  them  by 
an  interpreter,  sentence  by  sentence  ;  a  pious  schoolmaster, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO^'D. 


267 


who  is  a  blessing  to  the  island,  translating  all  I  said.  Never 
did  I  see  such  a  sight,  or  feel  such  a  feeling  before.  I  am 
trying  to  raise  a  subscription,  to  build  these  poor  islanders  a 
schoolroom  :  it  will  indeed  be  a  work  of  charity.  When 
I  first  beheld  the  cave  of  Fingal,  in  Staffa,  I  knew  not 
whether  to  close  my  lips  in  mute  astonishment,  or  to  fall  down 
and  pray  to  the  true  God  of  such  a  temple.  I  wanted  new 
faculties  for  such  a  new  demonstration  of  almighty  power. 
As  I  went  thither,  the  sea  was  rolling  immense  waves ;  and 
we  went  up  and  down  into  watery  hills  and  valleys :  but  a 
calm  succeeded  as  we  arrived  at  Staffa." 

Letter  to  Mr.  Higgins,  of  Turvey  Abbey,  on  the  same  sub- 
ject :— 

I  have  enjoyed  a  fine  view  of  the  Highlands,  and  several 
of  the  islands  of  Scotland.  No  prints  or  drawings  can  give 
more  than  a  feeble  idea  of  Staffa.  It  exceeded  all  my  ex- 
pectations, which  were  wrought  very  high.  It  is  grand,  beau- 
tiful, singular,  efficient  in  the  highest  degree  ;  but  often  diffi- 
cult  to  reach.  With  lona  I  was  deeply  interested,  in  quite  a 
difterent  way, — in  relation  to  its  ruins  and  past  history,  its 
present  moral  and  religious  necessities, — and  I  hope,  its  ap- 
proaching improvement.  I  hope  to  build  them  a  school  :  I 
have  raised  a  subscription  for  the  purpose.  Finely  as  the 
Lowlands  and  some  parts  of  the  Highlands  are  circumstanc- 
ed, in  reg&rd  to  education,  other  parts  need  much  to  be  done, 
and  especially  the  islands,  which  have  been  neglected  :  but 
an  active  spirit  is  beginning  to  arise  for  their  amelioration. 

"  The  scenery  of  the  islands  and  western  shores  of  Scot- 
land is  very  superb  and  interesting  :  I  met  with  a  great  deal 
more  fine  ivy  upon  the  castle  ruins,  in  various  places,  than  I 
think  fell  to  your  lot.  The  scene  along  the  Caledonian  canal, 
from  the  island  of  Zismore  to  Inverness,  is  of  the  very  first 
class.  Ben  Nevis,  rising  directly  4,370  feet  from  the  sea  at 
its  foot,  is  a  noble  hill ;  and  the  Fall  of  Foyers,  200  feet  per- 
pendicular, on  Loch  Ness,  is  a  complete  specimen  of  the 
grand  and  beautiful  as  a  cascade. 

"  My  daughter  Mary  has  found  so  many  valuable  friends  in 
Scotland,  that  she  is  persuaded  to  pass  the  winter  with  them  ; 
and  is  enjoying  a  retreat  in  a  beautiful  spot  on  the  banks  of 
the  Clyde,  with  a  clergyman  and  his  lady,  (a  sister  of  Lord 
B.)  who  combine  the  truly  Christian  character  with  every 
other  good  and  ornamental  qualification.  I  have  consented  to 
this  visit. 


268 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


"  I  have  had  much  business,  both  of  a  private  and  public 
nature,  on  my  hands  during  my  absence  ;  but  on  the  whole, 
have  been  very  well.  Travelling  contributes  much  to  my 
general  health  and  strength. 

*'  Present  my  kind  and  pastoral  regards  to  Mrs.  H.  and 
your  family  ;  and  every  good  wish  for  their  temporal,  spiri- 
tual,  and  eternal  welfare." 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Richmond  opened  a  communication 
with  the  Duke  of  Argyle,  the  owner  of  the  island  of  lona, 
after  he  had  raised  701.  amongst  his  friends.  The  Duke,  it 
appears,  chose  to  erect  the  proposed  building  at  his  own  ex- 
pense. 

The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  written  to  the  editor 
by  Mr.  Titcairn,  contain  all  the  information  on  this  subject 
which  we  have  been  able  to  collect, 

"  Much  of  my  correspondence  with  Mr.  Richmond  was  re- 
specting  a  fund  which  he  had  collected  for  erecting  a  new 
schoolroom  at  lona.  This  was  afterward  rendered  unneces- 
sary, as  the  Duke  of  Argyle  built  the  house  entirely  at  his 
own  expense.  Mr.  Richmond  contemplated  the  appropriation 
of  the  money  raised  for  lona,  to  a  nobler  purpose  than  that  of 
a  building.  He  died,  however,  before  a  plan  was  adjusted. 
Mr.  Hepburne  is  the  treasurer,  and  I  am  secretary  to  this 
fund.  We  are  now  making  arrangements  with  the  society 
in  Scotland  for  Propagating  Christian  Knowledge,  and  with 
whom  the  money  is  to  be  vested  in  trust  ;  and  the  interest 
applied  annually  for  the  moral  and  religious  benefit  of  lona. 
We  are  thus  endeavouring  to  carry  into  effect  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's benevolent  design." 

It  is  with  unfeigned  satisfaction  that  we  hail  the  dawn  of 
lona's  recovery  of  her  ancient  privileges  ;  but  we  trust  the 
efforts  will  not  rest  here.  When  we  contemplate  this  once  ce- 
lebrated isle,  the  ancient  seat  of  piety  and  civilization ;  former- 
ly actively  engaged  in  dispensing  to  others  the  blessings  by 
which  it  was  so  highly  distinguished ;  and  when  we  contrast 
these  privileges  with  its  present  state  of  religious  destitution ; 
we  confess  we  are  unable  to  repress  the  emotions  awakened 
by  such  a  recollection.  Shall  a  population  of  450  immortal  be- 
ings be  left  destitute  of  the  means  of  grace,  and  of  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  regular  ministry  ?  Shall  "  she  who  was  great  among 
the  nations,  and  princess  among  the  provinjces,  sit  solitary  and 


SEV.   LEGH  BICHMOIVD. 


269 


become  as  a  widow  ]"  We  call  on  the  sons  of  Caledonia  to 
fulfil  a  solemn  act  of  duty — we  would  remind  them  of  their 
obligations  to  this  illustrious  isle,  and  would  point  to  the  bro- 
ken fragments  of  its  temples,  which  seem  to  say,  "  why  re- 
pair ye  not  the  breaches  of  the  Lord's  house  ?"  We  are  dis- 
posed to  beheve,  if  an  appeal  at  this  time  were  made  to  the 
Christian  public,  both  in  Scotland  and  England,  that  it  would 
not  be  rejected.  To  Mr.  Richmond's  visit,  lona  owes  her 
schoolhouse.  We  cannot  refrain  from  indulging  the  pious 
wish,  that  to  his  Memoir  she  might  be  indebted  for  a  still 
higher  blessing,  the  establishment  of  a  regular  ministry  ! 

We  must  not  extend  the  detail  of  these  tours  beyond  the 
present  limits  :  other  subjects  demand  attention.  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's journal  abounds  with  the  most  grateful  recollections 
and  honorable  mention  of  his  friends  in  Scotland.  Indeed,  it 
were  impossible  that  such  a  heart  should  not  feel  deeply  the 
kind  hospitality  every  where  shown  him,  and  the  generous 
manner  in  which  the  English  missions  were  encouraged  and 
supported.  Though  delicacy  forbids  us  to  publish  these  warm 
expressions  of  his  gratitude  and  love,  and  restrains  us  from 
specifying  the  objects  of  his  praise,  v/e  cannot  retrace  our 
steps  homewards  without  making  one  remark.  In  the  record 
of  those  journeys  there  appears  a  uniform  acknowledgment 
of  the  liberality  and  urbanity  of  his  brethren  in  Scotland, 
without  even  one  solitary  exception  to  occasion  regret. 

This  '  unity  of  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,'  is  highly  credit- 
able to  the  Episcopalian  and  his  brethren  of  the  Presbytery. 
The  editor  would  throw  himself  upon  the  candor  of  the  rea- 
der for  dwelling  so  much  and  so  frequently,  in  the  course  of 
the-Memoir,  on  the  subject  of  Christian  charity.  But  the 
schisms  of  the  church  of  God  are  very  painful  to  his  mind, 
and  the  subject  of  his  daily  prayer.  He  knows  no  greater  joy 
than  to  perceive  the  family  of  his  Lord  and  Saviour,  however 
scattered  in  distant  lands,  and  somewhat  separated  by  the 
warpings  of  education  and  habits,  or  by  the  infirmities  of  a 
fallen  nature,  cherishing  '  the  same  love,  being  of  one  ac- 
cord and  of  one  mind,'  '  doing  nothing  throufrh  strife  or  vain 
glory,  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  esteeming  each  other  better 
than  themselves.'* 

*  Le^h  Richmond,  in  tiiis  respect,  exhibited  throughout  his  life  a  decided 
pre-eminence.  He  seemed  to  carry  along  with  him  an  atmosphere  of  his 
own;  and,  in  his  society,  peculiarities  for  the  most  part  yielded  to  the  soften- 
ing influence  of  true  aAeclion.  The  editor  remembers  a  pleasing  anecdote, 
■which  strikingly  exemplifies  his  friend's  happy  manner  of  meeting  the  asperi- 
ties of  very  rugged  patures.    He  was  once  conversing  with  a  brother  cler- 


270 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Legh  Riclimond's  correspondents  were  numerous.  It  is 
truly  wonderful  that  he  could  find  time  for  a  few  lines  to  each 
of  them.  When  absent  from  home,  he  not  only  wrote  to  his 
wife  and  to  every  one  of  his  children,  but  to  the  tutor  of  his 
boys  ;  to  the  curate  who  supplied  his  church  ;  and  to  his  pa*- 
rishioners.  We  have  not  room  for  many  specimens.  The  fol- 
lowing are  no  discredit  to  his  memory. 

"  Lutterworth,  Nov.  13, 1822. 
"  My  dear  Friend,* — I  throw  myself  on  your  Christian 
feelings  of  charity  once  more.  I  have  done  wrong  in  what  I 
have  written  ;  I  pray  you  to  forgive  me.  My  real,  true,  and 
only  excuse  is  that  my  anxious  feelings  for  the  parish,  and 
my  high  approbation  of  your  character  and  conduct  amongst 
the  people,  made  me  underrate  your  objections  ;  I  did  not 
think  them  of  sufficient  weight,  and  I  was  sincerely  and  ho- 
nestly fearful  that  you  had  some  other  reason,  in  which  I  was 
personally  implicated,  and  which  your  delicacy  did  not  like 
to  name.  I  now  believe  otherwise,  and  I  hope  you  will  receive 
my  acknowledgment  of  my  error  in  the  same  spirit  wherein  it 
is  offered  to  you.  Do  not  let  it  influence  you  in  any  part  of 
your  feelings  or  conduct  towards  me.  You  little  know  the 
heart  with  which  you  have  to  do,  if  you  think  that  except  un- 
der an  erroneous  impression,  I  could  wound  any  one,  much 
less  a  friend  and  brother,  and  one  whom  I  so  cordially  esteem 
and  love.  I  fancied  that  it  was  your  nerves,  and  not  your- 
self, that  shrank  from  the  path  in  which  I  hoped  Providence 
had  placed  you  ;  and  therefore  I  wrote  as  I  did.  Once  more, 
forgive  me.  My  wife  can  tell  you  how  much  I  suflered  in  my 
mind  before  you  arrived.  I  looked  to  your  coming  as  a  great 
comfort — I  found  it  so.  Every  thing  went  on  well :  I  thought 
that  after  a  year's  trial  and  acquaintance  with  the  people, 
you  would  be  the  very  man  to  succeed  in  my  absence.  I 
built  upon  this  hope,  and  imagined  that  I  could  remove  the 
difficulties  which,  on  a  short  and  cursory  view,  affected  your 
mind.  I  tried  to  do  so, — I  failed  ; — the  fabric  of  my  hope 
seemed  to  totter, — my  spirits  sank  :  I  fancied  there  was  more 

gymaii,  on  the  case  of  a  poor  man  who  Iiad  acted  inconsistently  with  his  reli- 
gious profession.  After  some  angry  and  severe  remarks,  the  gentleman 
with  whom  he  was  discussing  the  subject,  conchided  by  saying,  *'  1  have  no 
notion  of  such  conduct;  I  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  him."  "Nay,  bro- 
tiirr,"  observed  Mr.  Richmond,  "  let  usbe  more  charitable  in  our  judgment;  for 
with  opportunity  on  the  one  hand,  and  Satan  at  the  other,  and  the  grace  of  God 
at  neither,  where  should  you  and  I  be  V 

*The  Rev.  Mr.  R  ,  at  that  time  his  curate. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


271 


of  fancy  than  argument  in  your  reasons  for  going.  These 
considerations  disappointed  me  and  excited  my  solicitude.  I 
was  crossed  in  all  my  hopes  and  plans  for  the  next  year. 
Even  the  parental  desire  to  visit  my  daughter  in  Scotland,  by 
leaving  a  tried  and  accepted  friend  at  home,  seemed  to  be 
blighted.  Put  all  these  things  together,  and  I  think  you  will 
the  more  readily  throw  a  mantle  of  charitable  forgiveness 
over  the  faults  and  mistakes  of  your  friend.  On  the  receipt 
of  this,  which  I  send  open  as  a  part  of  my  letter  to  Mrs.  R., 
talk  to  her  freely  about  it ;  and  may  every  unea?y  feeling, 
either  in  your  or  hers,  or  my  own  mind,  be  done  away.  So 
far  as  concerns  my  correspondence,  this  letter  contains  my 
heart  and  mind  ;  cancel  every  other. 

"  I  trust  that  you  are  sparing  yourself,  agreeably  to  my 
request,  in  regard  to  any  of  the  meetings,  which  have  pressed 
on  your  strength  and  spirits.  Shorten  the  evening  chancel 
lectures;  take  care  of  yourself,  yet  be  at  ease  in  so  doing. 
An  unexpected,  but  important  proposition  has  been  made  to 
me  relative  to  some  sermons  for  next  Sunday,  and  which  may 
possibly -prevent  my  return  before.  It  is  yet  unsettled,- and 
waits  the  arrival  of  a  letter  to-morrow  ;  but  I  will  mention 
the  result  as  soon  as  I  know  it  myself. 

"  Accept,  for  myself,  the  most  sincere  assurance  of  my 
high  and  unfeigned  esteem  for  you  and  your  ministry  ;  my 
cordial  prayers  for  your  welfare,  both  in  mind  and  body  and 
estate  ;  my  anxious  regret  that  our  connexion  must  not  be  of 
a  more  lasting  continuance ;  and  my  belief  that  you  have  en- 
tertained a  real  and  unmixed  regard  and  respect  for  your  un- 
worthy friend.  I  can  add  no  more  than  prayers  for  your  hap- 
piness, and  a  hope  that  your  next  partner  in  the  ministry 
may  as  highly  appreciate  your  services,  and  give  you  as 
fully  his  heart,  as  does  your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Legh  Richmond." 

"  My  dear  friend,* — Had  I  not  frequently  heard  of  you,  and 
of  the  satisfactory  manner  in  which  you  and  the  boys  were 
going  on,  from  my  daughters,  I  should  have  written  to  you 
before,  a  letter  of  inquiry  and  friendship.  Accept  a  few  lines 
now,  however,  for  the  sake  of  both.  I  can  assure  you  that 
no  object  lies  nearer  to  my  heart  than  the  welfare  of  my  sons, 
in  whom  the  treasury  of  my  affections  and  conscientious  de- 
sires is  greatly  bound  up.    I  often,  very  often,  look  with 


*  The  Rev.  Mr.  G  d. 


272 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


trembling  regard  on  the  future,  as  it  concerns  them ;  and  were 
there  not  a  ihrone  of  grace  for  them  and  for  me,  I  know  not 
how  I  should  bear  up  under  many  a  drooping  feeling.  You 
now  see  and  know  them,  and,  I  am  persuaded,  feel  an  interest 
in  all  that  respects  them.  Tell  me  a  little  of  the  progress 
and  general  conduct  of  each,  and  be  assured  of  the  confidence 
which  I  repose  in  your  conscientious  assiduity  and  friendly  af- 
fection towards  them  and  us.  You,  my  friend,  know  the  value 
oi  an  immortal  soul,  and  can  unite  its  prosperity  with  every 
other  consideration  ;  you  feel  it  for  yourself,  and  can  feel  it 
for  others.  You  know  something  of  the  snares  and  vices  of  the 
world  by  which  we  are  surrounded,  and  can  enter  into  the 
temptations  by  which  youths  are  constantly  endangered  :  you 
are  not  ignorant  of  the  inward  plague  of  the  natural  heart, 
and  of  the  need  there  is  for  prayer  and  w^atchfulness,  to  pre- 
serve it  from  manifesting  its  evils  in  a  thousand  ways.  I  can, 
therefore,  and  I  do,  feel  a  peculiar  satisfaction  in  contemplat- 
ing your  office  as  connected  with  your  prhiciples.  The  time 
is  now  at  hand  when  I  trust,  in  the  bosom  of  my  family  and 
parish,  to  cultivate  more  intimacy  and  friendship  with  you  than 
circumstances  have  recently  permitted  ;  and  to  share  with 
you  the  anxious  task  of  rearing  up  young  minds  for  heaven. 
I  have  h£id  much  interesting  matter  for  contemplation  during 
this  journey,  on  the  beauties  of  nature  as  well  as  of  grace.  I 
have  taken  a  wide  range  of  scenery  in  Scotland,  in  the  Heb- 
rides, and  the  Northeast  coast  of  Ireland  ;  it  is  no  easy  task 
to  detail  or  describe  such  objects,  with  all  their  combinations 
and  effects  ;  but  they  leave  a  valuable  impression  on  the 
mind  that  seeks  God  in  the  midst  of  them.  It  is  delightful  to 
worship  him  in  the  temple  of  creation,  and  to  catch  from 
psalmists  and  prophets  the  happy  art  of  elucidating  his  works 
of  redeeming  love,  by  illustrations  and  arguments  drawn  from 
his  wonders  and  beauties  in  the  natural  world.  I  will,  here- 
after, try  to  tell  you  something  of  these  things,  and  to  brighten 
the  gloom  of  our  w  inter  horizon  by  some  of  my  Northern 
lights.  I  have  also  seen  some  very  lovely  instances  of  the 
power  of  divine  grace  on  the  hearts  of  individuals  and  peo- 
ple. It  is  a  very  delightful  consideration,  that  the  same  God 
and  the  samQ  Redeemer  reigns  every  where,  and  produces 
the  same  effects  in  heart  and  life.  What  reason  have  we 
to  mourn  over  our  slow  growth  under  so  many  advantages  T 
"  Be  pleased  to  give  my  kind  love  to  Mr.  Renton,  and  tell 
him  that  I  received  his  letter  subsequently  to  mine  leaving 
this.    I  shall  be  happy  if  he  can,  even  for  two  or  three 


REV.   LEGII  RICHMOND.  273 

days,  give  me  the  comfort  of  his  society  beyond  the  12th  of 
August.  Can  you  tell  me  where  he  is  going?  He  forgot,  in 
his  letter,  to  mention  the  name  of  the  place  and  clergyman 
whose  church  he  is  to  serve.  Give  my  love  to  the  boys  ;  ac- 
cept of  mine  and  Mrs.  Richmond's  assurances  of  esteem  and 
regard,  and  believe  me,  faithfully  yours,   Legh  Richmond." 

Pastoral  Letter,  addressed  to  his  parishioners  at  Turvey. 

"  Glasgow,  Sept.  3, 1820. 

"  My  dear  Friends — Although  distance  may  for  a  season. 
produce  silence,  it  cannot  cause  forgetfulness  in  my  heart.  As 
it  concerns  you,  I  can  truly  say  that  your  spiritual  welfare 
and  temporal  comfort,  form  the  subject  of  prayers  constantly 
offered  up  at  the  throne  of  grace.  It  has  pleased  the  Lord  to 
bring  us  safe  to  our  dear  child,  whom  we  found  better  than 
we  could  have  expected,  considering  the  illness  and  suffer- 
ings through  which  she  has  been  carried.   Great  joy  attend- 
ed our  meeting,  and  the  affections  of  nature  and  grace  were 
called  into  no  small  exercise.    I  desire  to  praise  Him  for  the 
past,  and  trust  Him  for  the  future.    Many  of  5'OU  have  had 
abounding  proofs  of  God's  mercy  and  goodness  in  the  hour  of 
need,  and  have  been  brought  '  through  fire  and  through  water 
into  a  wealthy  place.'  May  the  recollections  of  such  benefits 
keep  you  humble,  make  you  thankful,  and  render  you  meet 
for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light  !  As  we.  journeyed 
hither,  we  saw  many  lovely  scenes  amongst  the  mountains, 
lakes,  rivers,  and  waterfalls  of  nature  ;  and  they  reminded  us 
of  the  far  greater  beauties  of  holiness  in  Him  who  made  them 
all,  and  gives  us  many  a  gospel  lesson  in  the  works  of  crea- 
tion.   We  are  now  in  a  vast  city,  containing  above  150,000 
inhabitants.   Much  grace  prevails  here  ;  and  also,  in  such  a 
multitude,  much  evil.    What  need  we  have  to  pray  for  the 
universal  reign  of  Christian  principles  in  all  hearts  ;  for  the 
day  when  Glasgow,  and  London,  and  Turvey,  may  present 
nothing  but  a  population  of  the  true  followers  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus.   When  and  how  shall  this  come  to  pass  ?    Times  and 
j.  seasons  are  in  the  Lord's  hands,  but  the  means  of  grace  are 
j!  put  into  ours.  And  I  know  of  no  means  so  immediately  likely 
to  promote  the  great  event  of  general  conversion,  as  the  live- 
ly, steadfast,  and  exemplary  conduct  of  Christian  professors. 
,  I  would  wish  to  impress  this  strongly  upon  every  one  of  your 
minds  :  you  are  answerable  to  God  for  the  conduct  of  every 
'  hour,  not  only  as  it  may  affect  your  own  individual  state,  but 
as  it  may,  and  must  respect  your  families,  your  neighbours, 


274 


MEMOIHS  OF  THE 


and  the  Church  of  God;  The  increase  and  prosperity  of 
young  converts  is  closely  connected  with  the  manner  in 
which  older  professors  of  religion  so  let  their  light  shine  be- 
fore them,  that  they,  seeing  their  good  works,  may  glorify 
their  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  Be  a  united  people  :  give 
no  place  to  unkind  suspicions,  or  jealousies,  or  words.  Re- 
member the  golden  rule,  *  even  so  do  ye  unto  others  as  ye 
would  that  they  should  do  unto  you.'  Keep  your  eye  and  your 
heart  steadily  fixed  upon  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Walk  happily,  by  walking  wisely  and  holily.  Maintain  fa- 
mily  prayer  and  instruction  in  your  households,  whenever  it 
is  practicable  ;  and  where  it  is  not,  be  more  earnest  in  secret 
prayer  for  the  removal  of  all  hinderances.  Keep  together  as 
a  people;  encourage  no  divisions  which  break  the  peace  of 
the  church,  and  injure  weak  souls  by  many  false  delusions. 
A  good  Christian  is  a  steady  one.  You  that  are  in  trouble, 
cast  your  cares  upon  the  Lord,  knowing  that  he  careth  for 
you.  If  God  be  with  you,  who  can  be  against  you  ?  Think 
over  past  mercies,  and  see  on  whom  you  ought  to  trust.  Do 
not  dishonor  him  by  unbelieving  doubts.  He  is  faithful  that 
has  promised.  May  God  answer  my  prayer  for  unity,  peace, 
and  concord.  Hearken  to  the  word  of  truth,  from  the  lips  of 
my  faithful  fellow. laborer  ;  strengthen  his  hands,  and  encou- 
rage his  heart.  Pray  much  for  me  ;  T  need  it,  for  my  labors 
a^e  many,  and  I  am  weak ;  but  the  Lord  is  my  strength, 
God  bless  every  one  of  you  ;  and  may  we,  if  God  will,  meet 
again  in  love  and  holy  resolution.  So  prays  your  affectionate 
pastor.  Legh  Richmond." 

It  w^as  during  one  of  Mr.  Richmond's  excursions  to  Scot- 
land, that  he  arranged  for  publication  the  very  interesting 
diary  and  "  Letter  on  the  Principles  of  the  Christian  Faith," 
composed  by  Miss  Sinclair,  eldest  daughter  of  the  right  Hon. 
John  Sinclair,  Bart,  who  died  on  the  22d  May,  1818.  There 
are  few  of  our  readers,  we  presume,  who  have  not  read  the 
above  production,  addressed  by  Miss  Sinclair  to  one  of  her 
younger  sisters,  without  any  intention  of  its  meeting  the  pub- 
lic eye,  or  aiming  at  any  thing  beyond  the  private  edification  ' 
of  her  sister.  It  contains  a  very  clear,  scriptural,  and  able 
exposition  of  the  principles  of  the  Christian  faith,  accom-  ^ 
panied  by  remarks  which  showed  the  influence  of  those 
principles  in  her  own  heart.  At  the  request  of  the  family,  a 
memoir  of  Miss  Sinclair  was  prefixed  to  the  publication,  by 
Mr.  Richmond.  It  is  foreign  to  <>ur  purpose  to  enter  into  any 


REV.   LEGII  RICnMOND. 


275 


review  of  this  interesting  little  work,  which  details  the  early 
growth  and  progress  of  divine  grace  in  the  heart  of  this  young 
lady,  who  appears  to  have  united  the  attainments  of  genuine 
piety  witli  the  endowments  of  the  most  cultivated  mind.  We 
have  much  pleasure  in  subjoining  the  following  testimony,  as 
one  of  the  many  instances  of  usefulness  arising  from  the  pe- 
rusal  of  this  little  memoir  : 

"  Rev.  Sir, — Being  informed  that  you  are  writing  the  life 
of  Mr.  Richmond,  I  beg,  through  the  medium  of  my  much  es- 
teemed friend  Mr.  F.  to  inform  you,  how  greatly  I  am  in- 
debted to  the  memoir  of  Miss  Hannah  Sinclair.  I  trust  it 
is  from  no  ostentatious  wish  to  see  my  name  in  print,  that  I 
allude  to  the  blessed  change  in  my  views  and  principles. 
Yet  I  do  wish  to  give  publicity  to  the  little  volume  by  which 
my  mind  was  first  drawn  to  the  true  principles  of  the  word  of 
God,  and  my  heart  rightly  impressed  by  them.  I  would  pay 
a  tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  one  who  must  be  ever 
dear  to  my  recollection,  for  the  benefits  received  from  that 
excellent  letter  of  Hannah  Sinclair  :  and  I  nnxiously  desire 
that  her  valuable  memoir  by  Mr.  Richmond,  may  be  read  with 
the  same  delight  and  benefit  w^hich  accompanied  my  perusal 
of  it.    I  am,  &c.  K.  Phipps." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Death  of  his  infant— Marriage  of  his  eliJest  dau?hter— Visit  to  the  North  of  Ireland 
--Texts  on  the  walls  of  his  cliurch— Extract  of  a  letter  to  his  daughter  F— .  —Isle 
of  Wight  lour— Pastoral  letter— Journal— His  son  Wilberforce's  iilnessand  death- 
Reflections— Marriage  of  liis  daughter  H— .  — Xugent's  shipwreck,  and  death- 
Letters— Apocryphal  question-Mr.  Richmond's  opinion  on  the  mode  of  preach- 
ing to  the  Jews— His  sentiments  on. other  subjects— Journey  to  Cromer— Conver- 
sation with  the  editor— Meditation  in  his  study. 

In  the  spring  of  1821,  Mr.  Richmond  lost  his  infant  child. 
He  gives  the  account  of  this  event  in  a  letter  to  his  daughter  ; 
and  he  composed  a  few  verses,  to  sooth  the  feelings  of  the 
mother,  as  well  as  to  express  his  own. 

"Dear  Mary, — Our  dear  delicate  baby  has  taken  his  flight 
to  a  happier  world  !  I  write  beside  his  unspeakably  beautiful 
remains.  Of  all  my  twelve  babes,  I  never  clung  to  one  like  this 
^  • — perhaps,  because  I  never  expected  his  life.  He  was  formed 
•  for  a  higher  state  than  this,  and  is  taken  away  from  the  evil 
to  come.  He  had  an  inflammation  on  the  chest  for  a  few  days. 


276 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


He  died  in  my  arms — lovelier  than  the  loveliest,  calmer  than 
the  calmest.  His  previously  languid  eye  suddenly  illumined 
into  heavenly  brightness  and  vigor  :  it  looked  at  me  with  full 
intelligence — seemed  to  say,  '  Farewell !  I  am  going  to  Je- 
sus — and  he  was  gone." 

HYMN  FOR  AN  INFANT'S  FUNERAL. 

"  Hark!  how  the  angels,  as  they  fly, 
'Slug  through  the  regions  of  the  sky; 
Bearing  an  infant  in  their  arms, 
Securely  fi  eed  from  sin's  alarms : — 

•  "  Welcome,  dear  babe,  to  Jesu's  breast — 

For  ever  there  in  joy  to  rest : 
Welcome  to  Jesu's  courts  above, 
To  sing  thy  great  Redeemer's  love  ! 

"  We  left  the  heavens  and  flew  to  earth, 
To  watch  thee  at  thy  mortal  birth  : 
Obedient  to  thy  Saviour's  will,. 
We  stayed  to  love  and  guard  thee  stilL 

"  We  thy  protecting  angels  came, 
To  see  tiiee  blessed  in  Jesus  name  ; 
When  the  baptismal  seal  was  given, 
To  mark  thee,  child,  an  heir  of  heaven. 

"  When  the  resistless  call  of  death 
Bade  thee  resign  thy  infant  breath — 
When  parents  wept,  and  thou  didst  smile, 
We  were  thy  guardians  all  the  while. 

"  Now  wiih  the  lightning's  speed,  we  bear 
The  cliild  committed  to  our  care  ; 
With  anthems  such  as  angels  sing, 
We  fly  to  bear  thee  to  our  King. 

"  Thus  sweetly  borne,  he  flies  to  rest : 
We  know  'tis  well — nny  more,  'tis  best. 
When  we  our  pilgrims'  path  have  trod, 
Oh!  may  we  find  him  with  our  God  !" 

We  have  already  noticed  that  Mr.  Richmond,  in  his  tour  to 
Scotland,  left  his  eldest  daughter  to  the  care  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
S.,  who  resided  near  Glasgow.  It  was  there  that  an  attach- 
ment was  formed  between  Miss  Richmond  and  a  clergyman 
of  the  Established  Church  of  Scotland,  whose  profession  and 
character  rendered  the  connexion  a  source  of  peculiar  grati- 
fication. He  alludes  to  this  circumstance  in  the  following 
letter  to  one  of  his  daughters  : — 

**  My  dear  Love — Was  not  this  the  day  on  which  you  were 
born  ?  Why,  then,  I  must  now  wish  you  many  happy  returns 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMaND. 


277 


of  it.  But  will  they  be  happy,  if  you  be  not  holy?  How  I 
long  to  see  my  dear  F.  still  more  decided — more  spiritual — 
more  given  to  holy  thoughts,  words,  and  \vorks.  Let  not  your 
mind  be  drawn  aside  by  any  thing  that  will  steal  your  heart 
from  God.  Make  no  idols  of  books  that  carry  away  the  ima- 
gination. I  will  give  you  a  rule  to  judge  whether  an  author 
is  profitable  in  the  perusal. — Go  directly  from  your  book,  and 
open  your  Bible ;  and,  without  partiality  or  hypocrisy,  say 
which  you  embrace  with  the  most  delight.  The  answer  will 
always  show  the  state  of  your  mind,  and  the  profitableness 
and  lawfulness  of  the  book. 

"  Become  more  serious.*  I  am  much  pleased  with  the  con- 
scientious principles  and  behavior  of  Mary  and  Mr.  M.,  in 
their  intercourse.  He  is  a  true  Christian,  and  most  affec- 
tionalely  attached  to  her.  His  views  of  faith  and  practice 
exactly  accord  with  my  own  :  he  is  too  good  a  man  to  be  light 
and  trifling  on  such  a  solemn  subject  as  a  nuptial  engage- 
ment.  Mary's  mind  is  sacredly  and  steadtastly  made  up,  to 
love,  honor,  and  obey  him,  as  the  partner  of  her  heart,  and 
♦  the  choice  of  her  conscience.  Oh  !  pray  for  the  dear  girl,  and 
treat  the  question  with  sacred  cheerfulness.  My  visit  to  Glas- 
gow was  blessed  to  the  cultivation  of  pure  regfird  and  esteem 

with  all  the  M  s.    1  can  resign  her,  with  full  hope  and 

confidence,  into  God's  hands.  Do  3'ou  the  same  ;  and  when 
we  return  home,  seek  more  opportunities  of  useful  conversa- 
tion. Attend,  in  the  course  of  every  day  and  hour,  to  the 
growth  of  your  best  and  most  ennobling  principles  of  action. 
Much,  very  much  time,  v.  hich  might  be  employed  in  an  in- 
creasing meetness  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  is,  I 
fear,  lost.  These  things  ought  not  so  to  be,  my  dear  child. 
Time  is  short,  eternity  is  at  hand.  It  is  a  hard  thing  to  be 
saved  at  all ;  and  every  lost  hour,  every  idle  word^ every  neg- 
lected  opportunity,  makes  it  more  hard.  It  is  a  strait  gate  and 
narrow  way  to  heaven,  and  (comparatively)  few  there  be  that 
find  it. 

"  Never  be  without  a  book,  in  daily  reading,  of  a  direct 
spiritual  and  devotional  tendency;  one  that  will  make  the 
vanities  of  time  and  sense  appear  unworthy  of  your  notice. 
Always  maintain  with  some  one,  if  possible,  a  truly  religious 
correspondence,  calculated  to  bring  Christ  to  the  soul.  Keep 
in  hourly  recollection,  that  you  are  a  great  sinner,  unworthy 
of  all  the  comforts  and  enjoyments  which  you  possess  ;  and 
that  without  a  Saviour  inwardly  known,  all  is  as  nothing.  Ex- 
amine  for  the  proofs  of  a  converted  mind,  in  the  grand  act  of 
24* 


278 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


faith  on  Jesus  Christ.  I  cannot  recommend  you  a  more  lively 
example  than  Mrs.  Isabella  Graham,  the  admirable  aunt  of 
Mr.  M.  Learn  to  love  true  religion  in  others,  whoever  they 
may  be.  Shun  party  prejudice  as  the  bane  of  charity  and 
the  curse  of  the  church.  God's  love  is  not  limited  to  us,  and 
our  division  of  the  church  of  Christ;  why  then  ought  ours? 
Far  be  it  from  us  to  feel  alienation  from  any  whom  He  is 
leading  heavenward. 

"  Pray  think  of  the  general  tenor  of  this  letter,  for  my 
sake,  and  for  your  own  sake.  J  have  much  spiritual  uneasi- 
ness about  all  my  children,  and  npost  anxiously  wish  to  see 
them  grow  in  grace.  Without  this,  all  is  dead.  I  want  to 
see  them  useful  to  others  around  them,  and  patterns  to  one 
another,  and  comforts  to  me  in  all  things." 

The  union  took  place  at  Turvey,  in  the  spring  of  1822 ; 
and  the  writer  of  this  Memoir  had  the  pleasure  of  officiating 
on  the'occasion.  On  the  day  of  Miss  Richmond's  marriage, 
her  father  addressed  to  her  the  following  interesting  letter  : — 

"  I  this  day  consign  you,  my  beloved  daughter,  into  the 
hands  of  one  whom  I  believe  to  be  a  man  of  God,  and  who 
will  watch  over  your  eternal  as  well  as  your  temporal  inte- 
rests. I  trust  that  your  union  is  formed  in  the  simplicity  of 
faith,  hope,  and  love.  Give  yourself  up,  first  to  God,  and 
then  to  your  husband,  for  Christ's  sake.  Pray  for  grace  to 
conduct  yourself  aright,  in  the  new  stations  of  wife  and  mis- 
tress. Never  depend  for  a  single  moment,  on  the  strength  of 
your  own  feeble  nature.  Live  constantly  by  faith  on  the  Son 
of  God  ;  relying  on  him  for  the  graces  of  domestic  life,  as'^ell 
as  those  of  a  more  general  character.  Endeavor  in  all  things 
to  please  God,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  please  all  whom  you 
ought  to  please. 

"  Expect  the  trials  and  crosses  incident  to  the  earthly  pil- 
grimage ;  but  expect  also  by  the  mercies  and  merits  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  be  enabled  to  pass  through  them  with  safety  and 
peace. 

"  Love,  honor,  and  obey  ;^our  husband,  for  the  Lord's  sake. 
Do  it  upon  deep  conscientious  principles,  as  in  the  constant 
sight  of  God.  Think  much  on  the  love  of  Christ  to  poor 
sinners  ;  and  live  upon  this  love,  as  food  and  medicine  to  your 
own  soul. 

*'  Be  cheerful  without  levity ;  be  grave  without  hjoroseness  ; 
be  devout  without  affectation  ;  be  firm  without  obstinacy;  be 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


279 


diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord  in  all 
things. 

*'  Although  you  leave  your  father's  house,  I  know  you  will 
not  leave  its  principles,  any  more  than  its  love.  Though  se- 
parated, we  shall  be  closely  united, — though  out  of  sight,  yet 
never  out  of  mind  :  you  will  think  of  us,  and  we  of  you,  with 
affections  tender,  rational,  and  abiding.  We  shall  often  meet 
at  the  throne  of  grace,  and  welcome  each  other,  and  be  wel- 
come there  ;  we  shall  often  meet  in  the  correspondences  of 
heart  and  pen.  We  shall,  if  God  permit,  sometimes  meet  in 
sweet  personal  intercourse  again  ;  we  shall  often  meet  in  the 
affectionate  reveries  of  imagination.  And  oh  !  may  we  at  last 
meet  to  part  no  more,  in  the  house  not  made  with  hands,  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens. 

"  Study  your  own  and  your  husband's  dispositions,  that  you 
may  cultivate  true  conjugal  peace  and  love.  Ever  be  ready 
to  open  your  heart  to  him  on  things  spiritual  as  well  as  tem- 
poral. Disappoint  him  not  herein,  for  he  will  watch  over  your 
soul,  as  one  that  must  give  account.  A  minister's  public  la- 
bors are  intimately  connected  with  his  private  and  domestic 
consolations.  A  minister's  wife  may  be  a  main-spring  of  en- 
couragement or  discouragement  to  her  husband,  in  all  his  ar- 
duous and  anxious  occupations  fiy  the  good  of  his  flock.  On 
her  example  and  demeanor  very  much  may  often  depend, 
Keep  this  always  in  mind,  and  look  up  to  Christ  for  gracious 
help.  Feel  with,  and  for  your  husband,  in  all  his  parochial 
and  congregational  interests,  as  well  as  in  those  which  are 
simply  domestic — they  ought  to  be  inseparable.  Cultivate  a  ^ 
deep  and  personal  piety.  Imitate  the  holy  women  of  old, 
arra  let  your  adorning  be  like  unto  theirs  :  St.  Peter  can  tell 
you  what  that  is.* 

"  I  rejoice  in  your  lot ;  I  can  see  the  hand  of  God  in  it. 
This  is  a  token  for  good  to  us  all. 

Go,  dear  Mary,  to  your  husbEihd's  house  ;  and  may  the 
presence  and  blessing  of  the  Lord  go  with  you  ;  I  commend 
you  to  his  holy  keeping  with  confidence.  Faithful  is  He  that 
hath  promised,  and  He  will  do  it.  We  shall  have  pledged^ 
our  vows  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  at  this  interesting  period  : 
may  this  strengthen  and  animate  our  hearts  to  serve  and  trust 
him.  On  this  day  the  Spirit  was  poured  out  on  the  primitive 
church  with  great  power, — may  we  this  day  receive  the  ear- 
nest of  his  love  in  much  simplicity. 

"  Grace,  peace,  and  mercy,  be  with  my  beloved  daughter, 
and  with  her  affectionate  father,         Legh  Richmond." 
'  1  Peter  iii,  3,  4, 5. 


280 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


The  year  after  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  Mr.  Rich- 
mond availed  himself  of  a  visit  to  Scotland,  to  make  a  short 
excursion  to  the  North  of  Ireland. .  We  can  furnish  the  reader 
with  no  other  particulars  than  are  contained  in  the  subjoined 
letter  to  his  friend  Mr.  Higgins,  of  Turvey  Abbey. 

"  My  dear  Sir, — Owing  to  some  domestic  circumstances 
connected  with  our  dear  daughter's  confinement,  indisposi- 
tion, and  recovery,  we  h^ve  been  detained  here  beyond  our 
expectations  ;  but  in  our  absence,  we  think  and  talk  much  of 
our  Turvey  friends,  and  anticipate  the  restoration  to  their  so- 
ciety with  much  pleasure.  During  my  wife's  more  retired 
occupation  of  nursing  arid  superintending  household  affairs  in 
Glasgow,  I  have  had  interesting  opportunities  of  seeing  dis- 
tricts of  much  beauty  and  curiosity.  I  have  again  visited 
Staffa  and  lona,  and  several  other  of  the  Western  islands. 
I  have  also  seen  the  Giant's  Causeway,  and  the  highly  roman- 
tic and  sublime  coast  of  Antrim  in  Ireland,  including  a  jour- 
ney of  seventy  miles  by  land  to  Belfast.  I  was  very  glad  to 
find  that  amidst  all  the  misery  and  mischief  of  many  other 
parts  of  Ireland,  one  district  in  the  North  is  very  quiet,  and 
comparatively  comfortable.  I  travelled  in  an  open  vehicle 
until  midnight,  without  fear  or  danger.  But  not  so,  had  I 
traversed  the  terrhories  oP  Captain  Rock.  The  North  of 
Ireland  is  chiefly  Protestant,  although  not  exclusively  so.  I 
had  the  opportunity  of  observing  there,  as  in  Scotland,  that 
in  exact  proportion  to  the  universality  and  superiority  of  the 
school  education  of  the  children  of  the  poor,  good  or  bad  con- 
duct  prevails  in  the  different  districts.  With  mental  attain- 
ments and  useful  instruction,  an  elevation  and  stability  of  Ifca'- 
racter,  and  a  happy  adaptation  of  mind  to  circumstances  is 
generally  formed.  Subject  to  occasional  exceptions,  I  feel 
confident  that  the  three  kingdoms  will  owe  their  future  and 
final  prosperity  to  the  great  advances  and  improvements  made 
in  general  education.  Nothing  can  more  illustrate  this  fact 
than  the  comparison  between  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  the 
contrasted  districts  of  educated  or  uneducated  Ireland  and 
Scotland  with  each  other.  For  in  some  of  the  remote  islands 
and  Highlands  of  even  Scotland,  much  is  yet  to  be  done. 
You  would  not  be  sorry  that  the  Popish  question  was  lost  in 
parliament,  neither  was  I :  I  am  convinced  that  we  are  safer 
as  we  are,  although  equally  convinced  that  many  good  men 
most  conscientiously  think  otherwise  ;  but  I  was  glad  when  I 
saw  the  result. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


281 


From  my  children's  account,  the  boys  are  going  on  very 
well  with  Mr.  Ayre,  and  I  trust  will  improve  much  under  his 
tuition.  May  God  be  pleased  to  enable  us  to  bring  them  up 
in  '  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord  and  to  see  them, 
as  much  as  possible,  preserved  from  the  abounding  snares 
and  evils  of  the  corrupt  world  in  which  their  lot  must  be  cast. 

"  The  beauty  of  nature,  and  its  accompanying  scenery,  is 
now  great  indeed.  I  cannot  convey  to  paper  the  magnificence 
of  the  mountains,  the  loveliness  of  the  plains,  the  sublimity  of 
the  rocks,  the  splendor  of  the  ocean,  the  diversity  of  the 
islands,  the  wonders  of  basaltic  columns,  the  awfulness  of  the 
caves,  nor  the  combinations  of  effects  produced  by  them  alto- 
gether. I  cannot  depict  the  numerous  ivy-girt  ruins  of  feudal 
castles,  nor  the  groves  and  woods  of  the  mansions  and  villas 
of  lairds  and  lords  ;  but  you  know  something  of  them,  and 
must  conceive  in  imagination  what  your  friend  is  unable 
to  describe.  My  great  desire  is  to  seek  and  find  God  in  them 
all,  and  to  adore  him  there." 

About  this  time  the  church  at  Turvey  was  inspected  by  the 
archdeacon,  who  was  pleased  to  express  his  high  approbation 
of  the  neatness  and  good  order  with  which  every  thing  ap- 
peared to  be  conducted.*  The  church  is  a  singular  building, 
having  three  chancels  annexed  to  it.  In  one  of  these  are  the 
monuments  of  the  Mordaunts  :  the  middle  chancel  contains 
the  font  and  communion  table  ;  and  the  third  was  used  for 
the  evening  instruction  of  the  schools,  where  Mr.  Richmond 
catechized  and  preached  to  the  children.  A  most  appropriate 
s^gljtion  of  texts  is  inscribed  on  the  walls  of  each  of  these 
cfflBbels,  as  well  as  in  the  body  of  the  church,  chosen  by  Mr. 
Richmond  with  great  care,  and  exhibiting  a  complete  system 
of  divinity.  "  I  wish,"  said  our  excellent  friend,  "when  I  can 
no  longer  preach  to  my  flock,  that  the  walls  should  remind 
them  of  what  they  have  heard  from  me.  The  eye,  though 
wandering  in  thoughtless  vacancy,  may  catch  something  to 
affect  the  heart." 

We  regret  that  we  cannot  convey  to  the  reader  an  adequate 
representation  of  the  interior  of  Turvey  church.  The  admira- 

*  We  feel  called  upon,  in  this  place,  to  bear  our  restimony  to  the  zeal  and 
persevering  labor  of  Archdeacon  Bonney,  in  restoring  the  churches,  under  his 
superintenflence,  to  a  state  of  order,  decency,  and  necessary  repair,  which 
was  greatly  needed.  They  now  exhibit  the  appearance  becoming  tlie  cha- 
racter of  the  Christian  Sanctuary;  and  we  cannot  but  express  our  wisl:,  that 
po  laudable  ah  example  were  generally  imitated. 


282 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


ble  order  of  tho  texts,  which  display  both  the  taste  and  piety 
of  the- departed  rector,  might  afford  a  model  for  similar  ar- 
rangements in  other  churches, 

The  following  are  extracts  from  a  letter  written  to  his 
daughter  F  ,  at  that  period  : — 

"  Londo?i,  June  7 ,  Vo22. 

"  Fully  as  I  can  enter  into  the  beauties  of  works  of  fiction, 
yet  I  exceedingly  dread  their  tendency.  The  utmost  caution  is 
requisite  in  meddling  with  them.  The  novelist  I  unequivo- 
cally  proscribe,  and  many  of  the  poets,  and  their  poems, 
which  are  only  nets  to  catch  young  minds  in  the  maze  of 
Satan.  It  is  a  maxim  in  regard  to  books,  as  well  as  com- 
panions,  that  what  does  not  improve,  invariably  iwjwre*.  Fe.w 
things  in  this  world  are  merely  negative  and  harmless  :  they 
either  do  us  good,  when  sanctified  by  the  Spirit ;  or  they  do 
us  harm,  by  stealing  our  hearts  from  God.  Even  the  beauties 
and  wonders  of  nature,  in  an  unsanctified  mind,  excite  nothing 
beyond  natural  affection,  pleasure,  and  surprise.  If  CTirist^s 
not  sought  for  in  them,  we  rise  no  higher  than  mere  tourists, 
rhymists,  and  painters.  Whether  we  eat,  or  drink,  or  travel, 
or  read,  or  converse,  or  philosophize,  all,  all  must  be  done  to 
the  glory  of  God. 

Hitherto,  we  have  only  incidentally  mentioned  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's exertions  in  behalf  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society.  But  it  was  not  likely  that  an  institution,  characteriz- 
ed by  so  catholic  a  spirit,  and  by  a  design  so  grand  and  com- 
prehensive, should  fail  to  find  in  him  a  zealous  and  persever- 
ing  supporter.  He  was,  in  fact,  disposed  to  believe  thajUmen 
never  thoroughly  understood,  nor  rightly  felt  the  true^Bjpt 
of  Christianity,  till  they  acquired  it  through  the  instrumen- 
tality  of  this  Society  ;  and  that  such  was  the  force  of  early 
and  deep-rooted  prejudices,  and  so  unhappy  were  the  divisions 
and  mutual  alienation  which  they  inspired,  that  apparently  no 
other  mean  could  have  been  devised  for  allaying  their  unchris- 
tian  antipathies.  Not  that  he  was  insensible  to  the  excellency 
and  importance  of  his  own  creed  and  forms,  yet  he  by  no 
means  thought  it  was  a  necessary  conclusion,  that,  because 
we  deem  our  own  standard  to  be  best,  every  other  is  conse- 
quently erroneous  ;  or  that  genuine  religion  is  so  restricted  to 
one  indispensable  fbrm  and  interpretation,  that,  where  men  are 
agreed  as  to  its  essentials,  any  difference  of  opinion,  however 
conscientiously  held,  could  justly  merit  the  grave  charge  of 
heresy  and  error. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


283 


That  he  knew  how  to  defend  his  own  principles,  whenever 
called  upon  to  support  them,  we  shall  adduce  the  following 
anecdote. — 

Mr.  Richmond  once  met  the  late  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller,  the 
well-known  secretary  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Livius,  at  Bedford.  The  conversation 
turned  on  the  ritual  of  the  Church  of  England.  3Ir.  Fuller 
remarked,  that  "  it  assuined  the  sincerity  of  the  worshipper, 
and  indiscritninately  attributed  to  each  the  language  of  true 
devotion,  which  he  considered  to  be  a  defect."  "  How  would 
you  frame  these  services  ?"  said  Mr.  Richmond  :  "the  church 
presumes,  in  the  judgnaent  of  charity,  that  ail  her  worshippers 
are  sincere,  and  forms  her  ritual  on  this  principle.  If  they 
are  not  sincere,  the  greater  is  their  responsibility."  "  But  the 
y<2C/,"  said  Mr.  F.  is  otherwise  ;  and  charity,  unsupported 
by  fact,  is  misplaced."  "  How  would  you  remedy  the  defect  ?" 
rejoined  3Ir.  Richmond.  Here  the  conversation  was  inter- 
rupted, the  time  being  arrived  for  family  worship.  Mr.  Rich- 
mond, on  this  occasion,  expounded  a  passage  of  scripture,  and 
Mr.  Fuller  concluded  with  prayer  :  after  which  the  former 
observed,  with  a  smile,  "  Your  prayer.  Sir,  is  liable  to  the 
same  objection  which  you  make  to  the  services  of  our  church. 
Your  petitions  for  pardon  and  grace,  your  acknowledgment 
of  guilt,  your  hope  and  confidence  in  God,  were  all  generally 
offered  up  without  qualification,  as  expressive  of  the  feelings 
and  sentiments  of  the  whole  assembly."  How  would  you 
have  me  pray  ?"  said  Mr.  F.,  '•'  Precisely  as  you  did,"  replied 
Mr.  Richmond  :  "  but  you  must  no  longer  adhere  to  your 
obi^tion  ;  for  you  were  not  warranted  in  believing,  except 
in  Prejudgment  of  charity,  that  all  the  members  of  the  family 
were  sincere  worshippers.  You  have  this  night  authorized 
the  principle  on  which  our  services  were  constructed,  by  your 
own  example." 

Mr.  Richmond's  public  labors  in  the  cause  of  the  Bible 
Society  were  rather  occasional  than  regular :  his  tours  being 
for  the  most  part  taken  for  the  Church  Missionary  and  Jewish 
Societies.  But  his  services  were  willingly  offered,  whenever 
opportunities  occurred,  and  few  speakers  were  heard  with 
more  acceptability.  He  also  often  made  voluntary  excursions 
of  a  smaller  extent,  to  assist  in  the  formation  of  branch  Bible 
Societies  ;  and  he  usually  attended  the  annual  meetings  of 
the  auxiliaries  to  the  present  institution,  within  his  own  neigh- 
borhood, where  he  was  allowed  to  be  one  of  the  most  efficient 
instruments  in  their  establishment  and  confirmation. 


284 


MEMOIRS  OF  TUB 


In  the  month  of  August,  1822,  he  was  appointed  by  the 
committee  of  the  Parent  Society  in  London,  to  accompany 
one  of  their  secretaries  (Dr.  Steinkopff)to  Chichester,  Ports- 
mouth, Southampton,  and  the  Isle  of  Wight.  The  recollec- 
tions of  his  former  residence  were  too  strongly  associated 
with  all  the  early  events  of  his  ministry,  not  to  render  the 
proposal  highly  acceptable  to  him. 

We  venture  to  make  a  few  extracts  from  his  journal  at  this 
tiirie,  being  the  last  we  shall  have  occasion  to  notice.  We 
trace  in  them  his  usual  taste  for  the  beauties  of  nature,  with 
a  glowing  spirituality  and  devotedness  of  heart. 

JOURNAL. 

"  Aug.  27,  1822.  Saw  views  of  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
What  associations  crowd  upon  my  heart !  Arrived  at  Ports- 
mouth. Joyfully  and  atfectionately  received  by  my  old 
friends,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T.  in  the  dockyard.  Talked  over  old 
times — about  the  Isle  of  Wight,  Brading,  Bembridge,  &;c. 

"  I  entreat  thee,  O  my  God,  to  sanctify  this  season  to  my 
soul  and  to  the  souls  of  others !  May  this  visit  be  a  blessing. 
Time  is  going  on — eternity  is  at  hand.  Strengthen  my  heart, 
head,  and  tongue,  and  keep  me  from  evil. 

— 28.  Looked  with  peculiar  recollection  on  the  tower  in 
the  dockyard,  where  I  conversed  with  the  emperor  of  Russia, 
in  June,  1814.  Went  to  the  Bible  Societ3^  Well  supported. 
Good  feeling.  I  enlarged  on  my  former  intercourse  with  the 

Isle  of  Wight.    Dined  with  Sir  George  G  .  Proceeded 

to  Southampton.  Profitable  conversation  with  Dr.  S.  m^JtJie 
necessity  of  retirement  and  prayer,  in  the  midst  of  publiSknd 
official  duties.  My  atfections  greatly  exercised  to-day  by 
the  topics  of  my  speech — never  more  so. 

"  Lord,  guide  me  in  this  pilgrimage.  Keep  my  heart — 
give  me  judgment — direct  my  tongue — preserve  me  from  sin ! 

"  —  26.  Went  to  the  Bible  Meeting  at  Southampton. 
I  told  the  minei;'s  story.*  A  poor  widow  brought  an  interest- 

*  The  story  to  which  he  alludes  is  very  aftecting.  In  one  of  the  Newcastle 
collieries,  35  nnen  and  41  boys  died  by  suffocation,  or  were  starved  to  deatli, 
One  of  tlie  boys  was  found  dead,  with  a  Bible  by  his  side,  and  a  tin  box 
such  as  the  Colliers  use.  Within  the  lid  he  had  contrived  to  engrave,  with 
the  point  of  a  nail,  this  last  message  to  his  mother: — "Fret  not,  my  dear 
motlier,  for  we  are  singing  the  praises  of  God  while  we  have  time.  Mother, 
follow  God  more  than  ever  I  did.  Joseph,  think  of  God,  and  be  kind  to 
poor  mother."  Mr.  Richmond  brought  the  box  from  the  North,  and  in  his 
mode  of  communicating  this  affecting  incident,  used  to  awaken  feelings  of  the 
most  livaly  interest. — See  YoutJi's  Magazine,  vol.  vii.  p.  24. 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


285 


ing  girl,  named  Mitchell,  about  eighteen,  to  acknowledge  with 
tears  of  grateful  affection,  how  much  she  was  indebted  to  the 
tract  of  '  The  Young  Cotia^;er,'  for  a  change  of  heart  and 
hope.  She  showed  a  simplicity  of  character  that  affected  me 
greatly.  Sailed  to  Cowes.  Proceeded  to  Newport.  I  am 
once  more  in  the  Isle  of  Wight — God  bless  this  visit.  My 
heart  yearns  over  this  spot.  Lord  sanctify  all  things  to  me 
and  to  thy  children  !  and  daily  add  to  the  church  such  as  shall 
be  saved. 

"  Newport,  Aug.  30.  Met  Robert  Wallbridge,*  and  talk- 
ed about  his  sister  and  father.  Attended  the  Bible  Meet- 
ing. Entered  at  large  into  Isle  of  Wight  feelings.  Much  affec- 
tion manifested.  Proceeded  with  Dr.  S.  to  Ryde.  He  left  me 
to  proceed  to  Portsmouth,  after  an  affectionate  farewell. f 

"  A  number  of  persons  came  in  the  evening,  and  joined  us 
in  family  prayer.  Dear  John  W.  and  his  wife  full  of  kind- 
ness and  holy  affections.  1  expounded  and  prayed.  Mr. 
Butterworth  was  there.  "It  was  an  affecting  season.  How 
my  heart  feels  these  scenes  and  interviews  !  Lord,  sanctify 
all  this  to  my  own  soul  !  The  Brading  pulpit  is  offered  me 
for  Sunday  morning. 

"  Aug.  31.  (Saturday.)  Fixed  to  have  a  Bible  meeting 
on  Thursda}-  nexl.  Set  out  with  my  daughter  Fanny,  and 
went  through  Brading,  to  Mr.  L.'s  cottage  at  Sandown.  All 
the  way,  felt  strong  associations.  Every  tree,  hedge,  gate, 
house,  revived  them.  Went  to  Shanklin,  to  the  Chine.  Ex- 
quisite views.  Dined  in  the  Chine.  Returned  through  Bra- 
ding. Was  much  affected  on  reading  many  gravestones — 
^  many  that  I  once  well  knew  !  Drank  tea  with  the  curate. 
Fliiially  settled  that  I  should  preach  to-morrow  at  Brading. 
The  bells  ringing  for  me.  Found  an  invitation  to  preach  to- 
morrow at  Ryde  also.  May  my  soul  be  directed  into  all 
truth.  I  felt  much  while  sitting  in  the  Brading  vicarage  par- 
lor— so  many  domestic  recollections  !  Returned  to  Ryde. 

"  Sept.  1.  {Sunday.)  A  most  affecting  day.  Went,  after 
breakfast,  to  Brading.  Before  church,  saw  many  friends, 
who  most  affectionately  greeted  me.  Preached  from  Psalm 
viii,  4—*  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?  and  the 
son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  V  Church  most  crowded. 
I  was  much  affected  by  the  whole  scene.    Mr.  T.,  the  cu- 

*  This  was  tlie  brolhcr  of  his  Dairyman's  Daughter. 

tMr.  Richmond's  Journal  coiUains'many  expressions  of  the  warmest  esteem 
and  Christian  regard  for  Dr.  S.,  which  delicacy  alone  prevents  us  from  in- 
serting. 

25 


286 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


rate,  acted  in  a  very  friendly  manner.  After  many  intei;esting 
circumstances  went  to  Ryde,  and  preached  there  in  the  af- 
ternoon.  Dined  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  At  eight,  went  to  Mrs. 
Y.,  at  Bank  Cottage,  where  a  multitude  of  people  heard  me 
expound  and  pray.  How  many  gave  me  the  affectionate 
right  hand  of  fellowship  !  Mr.  and  Lady  Harriet  W.  Mr.  But- 
terworth,  &;c.  there.  I  expounded  from  John  vii,  37 — '  In 
the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cri- 
ed,  saying.  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me  and  drink.' 

*'  What  scenes  are  these  !  How  far  removed  from  the 
pomps  and  vanities  of  this  world  ! 

"  Sept.  2.  Went  to  Brading.  Showed  Jane's  cottage  to 
Fanny.*  Called  on  numbers  of  people.  Much  friendly  and 
kind  reception  at  Brading  :  religious  and  devotional  feeling 
in  every  direction. 

"  —  3.  Went  to  Bembridge.  Interesting  in  the  extreme. 
Saw  old  Mr.  G.  dying,  and  happy  in  death.  Called  at  the 
G.'s.  Found  the  whole  family  full  of  love,  affection,  and 
piety.  Went  to  Mr.  K.'s  and  various  others.  All  respect 
and  affection.  Ascended  Bembridge  Down  :  the  finest  pros- 
pect  in  the  island.  Dined  at  Mrs.  M.'s.  Had  a  delightful 
religious  party  in  the  evening.  Exposition  and  prayer.  Set- 
tled to  have  a  distribution  of  tracts  at  Bembridge,  on  Thurs- 
day, if  fine. 

"  God  grant  me  grace  to  go  through  all  these  affecting 
scenes  profitably  to  myself  and  others. 

it  —  4.  Explored  former  scenes  with  much  interest. 
Many  associations  during  this  excursion.  Lord,  sanctify 
•them  ! 

"  —  5.  A  day  much  to  be  remembered.  After  break- 
fast, went  with  Mr.  Butterworth,  &c.  to  distribute  tracts, 
according  to  promise,  at  Bembridge  Point,  to  which  I  had 
invited  all  the  population  of  Bembridge.  The  most  affecting 
and  affectionate  scene  ever  witnessed.  Such  meetings,  wel- 
comes, congratulations,  smiles,  tears,  salutations,  from  some 
hundred  persons — men,  women,  and  children  !  It  is  indelibly 
impressed  upon  my  mind,  and  beggars  all  description. 

"  Had  many  proofs  of  past  usefulness.  God  bless  this  day 
to  me  and  many  !  On  returning  home,  found  a  delightful  let- 
ter from  my  dear  wife,  about  the  Isle  of  Wight ;  God  bless 
and  preserve  her.  Dined  at  six,  with  a  Christian  party.  Ex- 

*  The  scene  of  one  of  his  interesting  narratives. 


I 


REV.   LEGH  RICHilO^D. 


287- 


pounded  23d  Psalm.  Oh  !  that  this  day  may  be  remembered 
for  good  ! 

"  Sept.  9.  Visited  Robert  Wallbridge  and  Mrs.  A. — 
Had  much  useful  conversation  about  the  Dairyman's  Daugh- 
ter.  She  gave  m.e  a  lock  of  her  hair.  We  went  to  Arreton 
Church,  and  visited  her  ^rave. 

" —  12.  A  day  much  to  be  remembered.  On  this  day 
twenty-five  years  since,  I  first  read  Mr.  Wilberforce's  book 
on  Christianity,  in  my  little  study,  in  the  vicarage  house  at 
Brading  ;  and  thence  and  then  received  my  first  serious,  and 
I  hope  saving  impressions  ! 

''A  memorial  stone  was  this  day  put  up  over  the  grave  of 
little  Jane,  the  voun^  cottager — mv  first  convert  and  seal  in 
Brading.  Multitudes  attended — old  and  young,  from  all  the 
vicinity.  Her  parents  bent  weeping  over  the  grave.  What 
did  I  not  feel  !  We  then  adjourned  to  the  cottage  where  sha 
lived  and  died,  and  I  distributed  a  number  of  '  Young  Cotta- 
ger' tracts  to  the  inhabitants  ar,d  neighborhood,  who  came 
in  throngs  to  receive  them.    A  truly  afiTecting  scene  ! 

"  Sept.  18.  A  stone  was  this  day  put  up  for  the  Dairy- 
man's Daughter,  in  Arreton  churchyard. 

'  Post  tot  naufragia  tutus. 
'  To  God  be  all  the  praise.'  " 

The  extent  of  his  engagements,  during  this  period,  may 
be  conceived  from  the  following  brief  extract  of  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  an  esteemed  friend. 

"  Ryde,  September  17,  1822. 

Unless  you  were  with  me,  you  could  have  no  idea  how, 
from  before  six  in  the  morning  till  past  twelve  at  night,  I 
have  been,  and  am  occupied.  But  mostly,  I  trust,  for  good. 
The  spiritual  scenery  exceeds  in  interest  even  the  natural, 
I  wish  I  could  tell  you  half  of  what  T  see  and  feel  here.  To- 
night  we  have  a  Tract  Society  meeting  in  this  town.  On 
Friday  I  preach  on  board  convict  ships,  in  Portsmouth  bar- 
bor  :  on  Sunday,  in  churches  at  Portsea :  and  on  Monday, 
one  or  two  public  engagements  at  Southampton,  whence  on 
Tuesday  I  go  to  town. 

"  My  heart's  prayer  and  desire  is,  that  all  your  beloved 
circle,  lay  and  clerical,  male  and  female,  elder  and  younger, 
may  enjoy  grace,  peace,  and  love.  I  shall  think  of  you  on 
the  shore  of  my  beloved  island,  and  add  you  all  to  the  group 
of  objects,  which  endear  it  to  my  heart. 

"  Ret.  L.  Lackey,  Sandotcn,  Isle  of  Wrighi.^^ 


288 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


After  preaching  several  times  to  large  congregations,  he 
took  an  affectionate  farewell  of  his  numerous  friends  in  the 
Isle  of  Wight,  and  shortly  afterward,  addressed  the  following 
pastoral  letter  to  his  parishioners  at  Turvey. 

Portsmouth,  September  19,  1822. 

"  My  dear  Christian  friends, — My  heart  iias  never  lost  sight 
of  you,  while  I  have  been  receiving  such  affectionate  tokens 
of  the  love  and  regard  of  the  dear  people  in  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  as  have  melted  my  heart  almost  beyond  any  thing  I 
ever  experienced.  I  have  had  such  daily  opportunities  of 
seeing,  doing,  and  receiving  good,  as  I  think  I  never  enjoyed 
before.  It  has  been  a  time  of  revival,  love,  joy,  peace,  and 
brotherly  kindness.  They  think  and  talk  of  you,  and  pray 
for  you,  and  feel  towards  you  as  brothers  and  sisters,  for  my 
sake,  as  well  as  for  the  Lord's.  Not  only  are  many  of  my 
old  friends  continuing  in  the  ways  of  God,  but  many  others, 
whom  I  used  to  labor  among,  are  become  serious  ;  and  the 
children  and  grandchildren  of  my  former  friends  came  around 
me,  in  large  groups,  for  a  word  and  a  blessing.  I  went  one  day 
to  a  part  of  my  old  parish,  where  religion  most  prevailed,  and 
sent  word  that  I  should  be  glad  to  shake  hands  with  as  many 
as  would  come  down  to  the  sea-shore,  where  I  sat  upon  a 
rock.  More  than  five  hundred  men,  women,  and  children 
came,  and  I  gave  each  a  tract  and  a  blessing.  It  was  a 
scene  full  of  deep  and  trying  affections.  I  can  never  describe 
it,  or  think  of  it,  without  ardent  feelings.  We  have  put  up 
gravestones  to  little  Jane  and  the  Dairyman's  Daughter.* 
Some  hundreds  attended,  and  the  tracts  were  distributed 
that  respect  those  dear  persons.  It  was  a  time  of  great 
feeling,  and  a  tribute  of  much  love  was  paid  to  the  graves 
of  the  deceased.  Some  were  there  weeping  with  gratitude, 
m  having  been  brought  to  God  through  the  reading  of  those 
very  tracts. 

The  father  and  mother  of  little  Jane  were  at  the  grave, 
while  the  stone  was  putting  up.  We  then  went  to  the 
house  where  she  died,  and  the  '  Young  Cottager'  tract  was 
given  to  every  one  that  came.  It  will  be  a  sweet  day  of  re- 
membrance to  me,  for  it  took  place  on  September  12th.  On 
that  very  day,  twenty-five  years  ago,  I  first  received  my 

*  See  '  Christian  Guardian,'  OctoI)er  1822,  for  a  lurtlier  account  of  this 
transaction. 


BEV.   LEGH  RICHM:0>'D. 


289 


own  serious  impressions,  through  reading  a  book,*  and  little 
Jane  was  the  fir§t  fruits  of  my  change  of  principles. 

A  nursery  girl,  who  lived  with  me  at  the  time  of  my 
leaving  the  island,  is  come  fifty-five  miles  on  foot,  on  purpose 
to  see  me  here,  and  to  thank  me  as  the  instrument  of  her 
conversion,  while  she  was  my  servant ;  and  to-morrow  she  sets 
out  to  walk  fifty-live  miles  back  again.  I  did  not  at  that 
time  know  that  she  was  under  any  religious  impressions. 
She  was  then  fifteen  years  old.  God  be  praised  for  his 
mercies  ! 

"  I  left  the  island  yesterday,  with  strong  feeling.  I  preach 
here  on  Sunday,  and  above  thirty  persons  are  just  arrived 
from  the  Isle  of  Wight,  to  see  me  once  more,  and  to  say 
Farewell  in  the  Lord.  I  beseech  you  to  love  one  another, 
labor  for  each  other's  good,  live  in  peace,  try  to  win  souls  to 
Christ.  Pray  for  me  that  I  may  return  to  my  dear  people  of 
Turvey  with  a  blessing  from  above,  for  their  sakes,  and  my 
own.    Farewell  in  the  Lord.    Your  affectionate  pastor. 

Legh  Richmoxd." 

On  his  return  to  Turvey  he  addressed  a  highly  respected 
friend,  and  parishioner  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 

"  The  remembrance  of  the  days  and  hours  which  we  spent 
together  in  the  Isle  of  Wight  is  very  refreshing  to  me.  I 
hope  that  the  numerous' meetings  which  we  enjoyed,  have 
been  profitable  to  not  a  few  of  those  who  assembled  together. 
My  daughter  and  I  frequently  look  back  upon  the  two  days 
passed  at  Bembridge  and  Brading,  when  the  tracts  were  dis- 
tributed, and  the  gravestone  put  up,  with  such  affection  and 
gratitude,  I  think  they  will  never  be  forgotten  by  many.  I 
did  feel  a  lively  hope,  that  so  much  seed  would  not  be  sown 
in  vain,  and  that  the  Lord  would  give  a  blessing  to  such  means 
as  I  trusted  he  had  put  into  our  hearts  to  employ.  My  affec- 
tions for  the  island  are  founded  upon  many  of  those  circum- 
stances which  you  will  remember  in  our  younger  days.  It 
was  there  that  my  own  heart  was  first  made  acquainted  with 
the  infinite  value  of  immortal  souls,  and  of  the  difficult  office 
of  a  Christian  minister.  It  was  there  that  those  means  of 
grace  were  enjoyed,  which  have  been  since  felt  and  remem- 
bered  by  some,  as  "  times  of  refreshment  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord. "  It  was  there  that  I  met  with  the  Dairyman's 
Daughter,  the  Negro  Servant,  and  the  Young  Cottager,  and 

*  Mr.  Wilberforce's  work  on  Practical  Cbristianitv. 
25* 


290 


MEMOIRS  OF  TBTE 


with  my  respected  friend,  John  Wheler.  Tliese,  and  many 
more  events,  bind  my  heart  to  the  place  with  very  tender  ties. 
When  you  see  our  friends  at  Bembridge,  tell  them  how  much 
I  feel  towards  them.  Some  of  them  are  the  children  of  my 
early  ministry;  others  are  their  children;  and  others  again 
have  been  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  through  the 
Lord's  blessing  upon  instructions  established  and  blessed 
when  I  first  knew  them.  These  are  strong  ties  for  spiritual 
regard.  I  pray,  my  dear  friend,  that  you  may  grow  in  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord.  He  that  has  accompanied 
you  thus  far  in  your  way,  will  not  leave  nor  forsake  you.  He 
is  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day,  and  for  ever.  Cast  your 
care  upon  him,  for  he  careth  for  you.  The  promise  is  to  you, 
and  to  your  children,  and  to  as  many  as  are  afar  off,  whom 
the  Lord  shall  call.  Let  me  hear  from  you  soon.  May  grace, 
peace,  and  mercy  be  with  you  and  yours.  Pray  for  me  and 
mine,  and  believe  me,  faithfully  and  affectionately,  your  friend 
in  Christj  Legh  Richmond. 

''Mr.  John  Wheler,  Ryde,  Isle  of  Wight.'' 

We  have  already  alluded  to  the  illness  of  Mr.  Richmond's 
son,  Wilberforce.  Symptoms  of  a  consumptive  nature  had 
been  gradually  developing  themselves;  and  it  was  at  length 
deemed  highly  expedient  that  he  should  visit  Scotland,  and  be 
committed  to  the  care  of  the  Rev.  James  Marshall,  hi& 
brother-in-law.  It  was  hoped  that  the  effects  of  a  sea  voy- 
age,  and  change  of  air,  and  the  benefit  of  Dr.  S.'s  advice, 
who  had  been  remarkably  successful  in  several  instances  of 
consumption,  might  possibly  arrest  the  progress  of  this  in- 
sidious disorder. 

Mr.  Richmond  did  not,  on  this  occasion,  imitate  the 
w^orldly  prudence  of  some  persons,  who  labor  to  conceal  from 
the  patients,  the  danger  of  their  state,  and  with  a  mistaken 
kindness  prohibit  the  introduction  of  religious  subjects,  from 
fear  of  aggravating  the  disorder.  With  a  heart  alive  to  the 
eternal  interests  of  his  child,^he  addressed  to  him  the  follow- 
ing letters.  May  the  perusal  of  them  afford  an  instructive 
lesson  to  all  who  are  placed  under  similar  circumstances,  and 
teach  them  never  to  forget,  that  "  one  thing  is  needful"  for 
others  as  well  as  for  themselves  ;  and  that  the  wisdom  which 
would  endeavor  to  save  the  perishing  body,  at  the  risk  of  the 
immortal  soul,  is  an  act  of  treachery  the  more  criminal,  in 
proportion  as  its  consequences  are  irreparable  and  eternal. 


i 


HEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


291 


"  Tun-ey,  June  12,]  824. 

"  My  dear  Boy, 

I  have,  as  1  mentioned  to  you  the  other  day,  for  some 
time  wished  to  press  upon  your  attention  the  important  sub- 
ject of  the  Lord's  Supper  :  and,  in  the  case  of  each  of  your 
sisters,  I  found  that  some  epistolary  correspondence  afforded 
a  liberty  and  facility  of  communication  in  the  first  instance, 
I  trust  you  will  not  object  to  adopting  a  similar  mode.  A 
time  of  relaxation  from  your  studies,  and  of  indisposition, 
may  afford  you  good  opportunity  for  such  a  purpose.  Jt  will 
be  exceedingly  gratifying  to  me  to  receive  some  simple, 
faithful  account  of  your  state  of  mind,  views,  feelings,  and  de- 
sires  in  connexion  with  the  privileges  and  duty  of  commemo- 
rating the  dying  love  of  Christ  to  sinners.  I  wish  to  receive 
you  at  the  table  of  our  Lord,  both  as  your  affectionate  father 
in  the  flesh,  and  your  still  happier  father  in  the  spirit,  with 
principles  enlightened,  and  heart  v/armed  with  a  Saviour's 
mercies.  Approach  me  thus,  my  beloved  son,  and  write  to  me 
with  a  free  confidential  heart.  I  feel  the  most  lively  interest 
in  your  spiritual  welfare,  far  beyond  what  my  ordinary  man- 
ner may  betray. — You  are  arrived  at  an  age,  when  I  wish 
you  to  become  my  bosom  friend  and  companion  in  all  things, 
but  above  all,  in  those  things  which  belong  to  everlasting 
peace.  I  have  sometimes  feared  that  other  subjects  have 
somewhat  monopolized  your  thoughts  ;  and  yet  I  have  the 
firmest  hope  that  your  mind  is  truly  sensible  of  the  value  and 
importance  of  divine  things.  I  trust  you  are  constant  in 
prayer,  and  that  your  affections  are  unfeignedly  directed 
towards  divine  truth.  I  cannot  express  to  you  how  much  this 
belief  comforts  and  strengthens  my  mind.  It  is  allied  to 
every  feeling  and  wish  which  I  have  so  long  and  so  anxiously 
cherished,  in  regard  to  your  future  character,  as  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ.  None  but  God  knows  how  intense  my 
solicitude  has  been  upon  that  point.  It  is  high  time  that  you 
should,  by  the  open  act  of  communion,  devote  yourself  to  the 
Redeemer's  service,  and  look  upon  it  as  a  pledge  for  5'our 
inward  principles,  and  outward  practice.  You  should  atten- 
tively examine  the  sacramental  service  in  the  Liturgy,  and 
always  have  a  book  of  experimental  and  devotional  character, 
more  or  less  in  private  reading.  It  must  ever  be  kept  in  re- 
membrance, that  the  mere  literary  discussional  study  of  theo- 
logy, however  valuable  and  needful,  is  a  distinct  thing  from  the 
affectionate  work  of  the  heart  in  the  exercises  of  the  con- 
science in  the  soul.    I  am  earnest  that  my  dear  child  should 


292 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  the  church  of  Christ,  and  adorn 
them.  Search  for  the  evidences  of  a  renewed  heart  daily  ; 
come  as  a  lost,  undone  sinner,  and  may  you  taste  that  the 
Lord  is  gracious.  Beware  of  the  world's  temptations  and 
levities.  We  should  all  feel  that  time  is  short,  and  eternity  at 
hand,  and  be  prepared  accordingly.  The  regular  partaking  of 
the  Lord's  Supper,  when  rightly  viewed,  has  a  tendency  to 
cherish  the  best  affections  of  the  soul,  and  to  preserve  both 
young  and  old  from  the  dangerous  delusions  of  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  Satan.  Let  the  communication  of  these  thoughts 
excite  you  to  self-examination,  meditation,  and  prayer.  My 
love  and  regard  for  you  are  great  indeed  ;  my  own  heart  is 
wrapt  up  in  the  prosperity  of  yours.  May  all  your  studies  be 
sanctified  to  the  glory  of  God.  May  you  nrnv  enjoy  a  portion 
of  those  pleasures,  which  are  at  God's  right  hand  for  ever- 
more. — 'The  blood  of  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin.'  How 
delightful  a  thought  for  you  and  for  your  affectionate  father, 

Legh  Richmond." 

'\Turvey,  June  22,  1824. 

"  My  very  dear  Child, — I  present  you  with  this  book,  for  the 
express  purpose  of  your  keeping  a  journal  and  diary,  not  mere- 
ly of  passing  events  as  they  may  occur,  but  of  the  thoughts  of 
your  heart  upon  divine  things.  I  earnestly  entreat  you  to  do 
this  :  I  recommend  it  from  long  experience  as  a  most  bene- 
ficial exercise.  It  is  perfectly  secret  to  yourself  and  God. 
No  one  can  ever  see  it  without  your  own  knowledge  and 
consent.  But  such  records  have  been  so  useful,  so  consolato- 
ry, and  so  improving,  that  I  make  it  my  parental  entreaty  that 
you  will  comply  with  this  request.  Suspended  in  uncertainty 
with  regard  to  your  health  and  strength,  my  soul  is  most  anx- 
ious for  your  spiritual  good.  Trifle  not,  delay  not  in  this  mat- 
ter.  Press  forward  to  the  mark  and  prize  of  your  high  call- 
ing. Review  the  past  thoughts  of  your  heart, — examine  the 
present, — anticipate  the  future.  You  are  in  God's  hands, 
I  trust  the  everlasting  arms  are  underneath  you.  Let  me 
entreat  you  to  open  your  mmd  also  to  me,  in  frequent  corres- 
pondence. I  cannot  express  my  solicitude  for  your  spiritual 
welfare.  You  know  all  the  principles  by  which  a  sinner  may 
be  saved  ;  you  have  known  them  from  your  infancy ;  may  they 
be  the  ornament  of  your  youth.  Rest  short  of  nothing  but  a 
well-grounded  conviction  of  your  personal  interest  in  Christ. 
There  is  a  rich  provision  in  him  for  every  possible  difficulty 
and  deficiency  which  can  present  itself  to  your  thoughts.  Oh, 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


293 


how  does  my  heart  burn  to  see  you,  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  a  true  Christian.  In  a  former  note,  I  invited  you  to  the 
Lord's  table.  Happy,  thrice  happy  shall  I  bo  to  see  you 
there,  added  to  the  number  of  the  Lord's  flock. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  received  yours.  I  thank 
you  from  my  heart.  Go  on  as  your  strength  and  opportuni- 
ties will  allow,  by  a  little  at  a  time  ;  but  give  me  as  much  of 
your  thoughts  and  feelings  as  you  can.  Tell  me  of  your  past 
years,  and  early  leadings  and  convictions  ;  tell  me  more  of 
those  things  which  3^ou  have  named  in  former  letters.  You 
cannot  oblige  me  more,  than  by  giving  me  the  history  of  your 
heart  at  various  periods.  I  have  known  too  little  of  you,  my 
dear  child.  Let  that  ignorance  on  my  part  cease.  I  have 
•loved  you  from  your  birth,  and  watched  over  you  till  now,  with 
the  tenderest  affections  ;  but  I  feel  my  own  deficiency  in  not 
communing  more  with  you  on  the  state  of  your  mind  in  the 
sight  of  God.  Comfort  me  now  by  frequent  intercourse  on 
these  matters.  It  is  the  very  return  of  all  others  which  I 
desire  tor  all  the  past  anxieties  of  a  father  and  a  minister. 
May  this  journey  be  blessed  to  you  both  in  soul  and  body.  I 
trust  soon,  with  God's  blessing,  to  see  you  again.  In  the 
mean  time,  I  commend  you  to  Him,  who  has  all  events  in  his 
hands,  whose  consolations  are  neither  few  nor  small,  who 
gave  his  Son  to  die  for  your  sins,  and  v/hose  compassions  fail 
not.  Be  much  in  prayer  and  self-examination.  The  God  of 
the  waves  shall  protect  and  guard  you  ;  the  God  of  the  land 
shall  comfort  you.  But  seek  him  aright  ;  trifle  not  with  the 
great  concern.  '  How  joyfully  shall  I  welcome  you  at  the 
Lord's  table,  if  God  so  will.  Adieu  for  the  present,  my  child, 
my  friend,  and,  in  Christ,  my  brother.    Legh  Richmond. 

"  Turvey,  June  30,  1824. 

"  My  ever  dear  Son, — I  thank  you  for  your  letter,  and  am 
glad  to  hear  again  from  Mr.  Marshall  that  you  have  borne 
your  travels  so  far  well.  You  are  never  out  of  my  thoughts, 
and  I  follow  you  in  imagination  through  every  scene  of  your 
occupation.  But  there  is  an  eye  that  beholds  and  watches 
over  you,  in  a  way  that  I  cannot  do.  To  Him  I  confide  and 
commend  you,  for  sickness  and  health,  for  time  and  eternity. 
What  a  word,  what  a  thought  is  eternity.  What  prospects 
does  it  set  before  us  !  What  inconceivable  mysteries  are  in- 
volved  in  it  !  How  does  it  make  the  things  of  time  dwindle 
into  insignificance  !  But  what  questions  of  unspeakable  import 
are  involved  in  it !  Sin,  corrupt  nature,  a  broken  law,  an  of- 


294 


MEMOIES   OF  THE 


fended  God,  eternal  punishment ;  conscience,  guilt,  regene- 
ration,  salvation  by  Christ ;  faith,  hope,  love,  free  grace,  unde- 
served mercy,  justification,  effectual  calling,  adoption  into 
God's  family,  pardon  of  sin,  consolation  in  Christ,  heaven  and 
glory.  These,  and  a  thousand  accompaniments,  are  all  con- 
nected  with  the  idea,  and  the  reality  of  eternity.  What  a 
sad  proof  of  the  depravity  of  our  hearts  is  our  indifference 
towards  thiftking,  and  our  backwardness  towards  speaking 
upon  those  things  which  belong  to  our  everlasting  peace  ; 
and  which  nevertheless,  if  neglected,  involve  our  eternal  ruin. 
We  need  warnings,  and  the  Lord  sends  them  in  many  ways. 
Sickness,  pain,  bereavements,  losses,  disappointments,  all 
bring  their  message  with  them.  The  great  question  between 
a  s6ul  and  God  is  not  whether  we  admit  the  truths  of  the 
Scripture  into  our  understanding,  but  whether  they  are  soap- 
plied  to  our  hearts  as  to  have  wrought  a  change,  and  become 
vital  principles  of  faith  and  practice.  Nothing  short  of  this 
can  afford  evidence  of  a  saved  and  safe  condition.  There  is 
an  action  of  the  soul  by  which  it  rests  upon  Christ,  and  all 
that  he  has  done,  with  full  confidence  ;  and  this  produces 
peace  in  the  conscience.  The  more  we  see  of  ourselves, 
the  more  we  see  our  sin«;  and  the  more  we  see  our  sin,  the 
more  we  fly  to  the  death  and  righteousness  of  Christ,  for  par- 
don, deliverance,  and  hope.  We  behold  not  only  his  sufficien- 
cy,  but  his  willingness  to  save  the  chief  of  sinners.  For  this 
we  love  him  ;  and  if  we  love  him,  we  desire  and  endeavor  to 
keep  his  commandments  ;  and  this  is  the  way  of  salvation. 

"  Now,  does  my  dear  boy  view  this  in  all  its  integrity  :  Do 
the  experiences  of  the  past,  strengthened  by  all  the  variety  and 
succession  of  instruction  which  you  have  from  your  infancy 
received,  work  together  to  this  great  end  ?  Can  you  be  sa- 
tisfied with  any  thing  short  of  this  ?  God  forbid  !  Let  nothing 
interrupt  you  in  this  continual  work  of  self-examination  ;  and 
let  self-examination  lead  you  to  earnest  and  ardent  prayer. 
Let  no  pursuits  of  literature,  no  delights  of  sense,  no  passing 
occurrences,  no  debility  of  body,  no  inferior  subjects  of  re- 
creation,, prevent  you  from  keeping  your  thoughts  close  to 
God  and  to  eternity.  Great  have  been  your  mercies,  may 
your  gratitude  be  great  likewise  ! 

"  Accustomed  as  I  am  to  close  and  faithful  dealings  with 
my  Christian  friends  and  flock,  it  would  ill  become  me  to  be 
silent  or  indefferent  where  my  dearly  beloved  child  is  concern- 
ed.  Sickness  gives  both  you  and  me  a  wholesome  admonition.  I 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


295 


pray  God,  from  the  depths  of  my  heart,  that  we  may  each  of 
us  improve  it  to  our  spiritual  welfare.  God  mriy  have  great 
things  to  accomplish  hereby  :  let  us  believe  and  hope  so. 

"I  had  much  pleasure  in  showing  you  London;  and  if  Provi- 
dence permit,  may  yet  have  more,  in  viewing  the  fine  scene- 
ry in  your  present  vicinity,  along  with  you  ;  but  wheiher 
amongst  the  beauties  of  att  or  nature,  never,  never  cease  to 
look  for  and  contemplate  the  God  both  of  creation  and  re- 
demption in  the  midst  of  all.  Keep  a  continual  watch  over 
your  disposition,  temper,  and  thoughts.  There  are  not  only 
sins  of  the  temper,  but  of  the  understanding  also  ;  and  pride 
in  every  form,  intellectual  as  well  as  sensual,  must  be  brought 
low.  '  Learn  of  me,'  said  the  Saviour,  'fori  am  meek  and 
lowly  of  heart.'  I  write,  as  I  would  talk  v.  ith  and  pray  tor  you. 
May  this  dispensation  of  the  Almighty,  which  has  for  the 
present  separated  us,  and  given  us  cause  for  much  anxiety  on 
your  account,  be  a  season  of  much  profit  to  us  all !  Lay  these 
things  to  heart,  make  them  the  subject  of  unceasing  petition 
at  that  throne,  whence  no  believing  supplicants  are  ever  sent 
empty  away.  Wonder  not  that  I  cannot  rest  contented  with  a 
superficial  religion,  but  that  I  look  for  a  deeply  experimental 
life  of  God  in  your  soul.  I  place  time  and  eternity  before  me 
•  in  holy  imagination^.  I  strive,  as  it  were,  to  penetrate  the 
veil  which  separates  them,  and  to  look  earnestly  at  those 
things  which  belong  to  your  and  my  everlasting  peace.  For- 
give me,  my  dear  child,  and  may  God  forgive  me,  if  I  have 
not  always  and  equally  pressed  these  subjects  upon  your  per- 
sonal  attention.  They  have  ever  lain  near  to  my  heart,  and 
3'ou  have  had  multiplied  opportunities  of  meditating  upon 
them.  I  trust  you  have  done  so.  But  let  me  know  more  and 
more  of  your  thoughts,  past  and  present.  My  Christian  and 
parental  peace  is  dependent  greatly  upon  it.  I  am  glad  that 
our  friend  Dr.  Stewart  has  had  so  good  an  opportunity  of 
studying  your  case.  You  are  in  the  Lord's  hands.  May  he 
overrule  every  thing  for  your  good.  May  our  confidence  be 
placed  only  where  it  is  due  ;  and  pray  for  your  father,  and 
your  father  shall  pray  for  you.  Amongst  the  books  in  your 
travelling  library,  are  many  most  valuable  authors.  Read, 
mark,  learn,  and  inwardly  digest  what  they  say,  so  far  as  you 
find  time  and  strength  to  peruse  them.  Above  all,  search  the 
Scriptures,  for  in  them  -you  have  eternal  life.  Your  mother 
sends  her  entire  and  most  affectionate  love  to  you  :  your  sisters 
and  brothers  the  same.    And  what  shall  I  add  for  myself? 


298 


MEMOIllS  OF  THE 


All  that  is  tender,  affectionate,  parental,  and  Christian  from 
your  father,  L.  R." 

In  the  month  of  July  Mr.  Richmond  joined  his  son  in  Scot- 
land, using  every  means  for  the  restoration  of  his  health. 
During  a  short  interval  of  separation,  he  addressed  to  him 
another  letter,  expressive  of  the  ^me  ardent  desire  for  his 
spiritual  welfare,  and  written  in  the  same  delightful  strain  of 
warm  and  affectionate  feeling. 

Bradford,  ^m^.  5, 1824. 

"IVIy  dear  Wilberforce, — 
We  have  so  long  been  fellow-travellers  and  pilgrims  together, 
and  my  eye  and  my  heart  have  been  so  long  accustomed  to 
watch  over  you,  that  I  cannot  help  wishing  to  indulge  my  af- 
fectionate feelings,  by  giving  you  a  few  lines  during  this 
short  separation,  which,  short  as  it  has  been,  never  ceases  to 
present  my  dear  boy  to  imagination  and  recollection.  1  have 
reasons  to  think,  and  perhaps  the  fault  is  my  own,  that  you  are 
but  imperfectly  aware  of  my  strong  and  anxious  feelings  to- 
ward you,  with  respect  both  to  your  temporal  and  spiritual 
welfare.  I  sometimes  fancy  I  see  this  in  your  manner,  and 
it  hurts  me.  I  say  little,  or  probably  nothing  ;  but  my  heart  is 
alive  to  great  sensibilities.  Rest  assured,  my  much-loved 
child,  that  at  all  past  periods,  but  most  especially  since  it  has 
pleased  God  to  put  your  health,  and  of  course  with  it  your  life, 
to  so  marked  a  trial,  I  have  not  ceased  for  a  single  hour  (and 
I  can  hardly  except  the  dreaming  hours  of  the  night,)  to  make 
your  comfort  and  prosperity  the  subject  of  my  prayers  and 
solicitude.  When  you  may  least  have  suspected  it  from  my 
ordinary  manner,  even  my  silence  has  spoken  to  God  in  your 
behalf.  Many  and  deep  have  been  my  meditations, .  as  we 
ascended  the  hills,  and  descended  the  vales  of  Scotland  ;  or  as 
we  ploughed  the  waters  with  our  prows  and  paddles.  I  have 
often  experienced  a  kind  of  stupid  impotency  of  utterance, 
when  my  heart  has  been  animated  and  full.  You  likewise 
manifest  a  sort  of  reserve  on  the  subject  of  personal  religion, 
which  checks,  and  sometimes  chills,  my  rising  inclination  to 
more  unreserved,  free,  congenial,  and  comfortable  conversa- 
tion. I  wish  all  this  to  vanish  ;  and  that  whatever  may  be  the 
will  of  God  concerning  you,  the  future  days  which  his  provi- 
dence  may  permit  us  mutually  to  spend  together,  may  be  more 
distinctly  marked  by  free  and  affectionate  communications. 
But  far,  far  above  all,  it  is  my  cherished  and  anxious  hope  that 


REV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


297 


j'ou  may  evince  an  increasing  love  to  spiritual  things,  to  read- 
ing, conversing,  and  meditating  upon  the  things  which  belong 
to  your  everlasting  peace.  You  have  had  your  warning  as  to 
the  delicate  and  precarious  tenure  by  which  life,  health,  and 
youthful  vigour  are  held.  Every  day  and  hour  still  reminds 
you  of  the  uncertainty  of  all  things  future,  so  far  as  this  world 
is  concerned.  And  such  warnings  are  unspeakable  mercies, 
designed  by  God  tor  the  most  wise  and  benevolent  purposes. 

"The  season  of  amended  health,  and  present  suspension  of 
paintul  and  distressing  symptoms,  is  precisely  that  in  which 
your  heart  should  exercise  peculiar  jealousy  over  itself,  lest 
the  comparative  trifles  of  this  world,  and  the  ensnaring  affec- 
lions  c^the  flesh,  should  deaden  your  feelings  about  the  grand 
question,  'What  are  the  evidences  of  my  salvation?  What 
have  I  done,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  V  Other  studies  than 
those  directly  religious,  may,  doubtless,  have  their  due  and 
subordiante  place.  Other  books  than  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
their  expositions,  may  also  have  their  moderated  share  of  our 
attentions  ;  but  if  any  human  study  or  any  human  book,  have 
more  of  our  love  and  attention,  than  those  which  directly  lead 
our  hearts  to  God,  somethmg  must  be  very  wrong.  Idols  force 
themselves  upon  our  notice  every  where,  and  lawful  things 
may  become  idols  by  the  abuse  of  them,  and  the  suffering  them 
to  usurp  the  frst  place  in  the  heart's  afiections.  Never  be 
contented  with  slight  and  general  hopes  of  all  being  right  with- 
in, but  seek  and  strive  after  clear  and  particular  evidences, 
that  you  'know  whom  you  have  trusted,'  for  time  and  eternity. 
I  earnestly  entreat  you  to  examine  yourself  daily  on  scrip- 
tural principles,  that  you  may  the  more  ardently  throw  youi- 
self  on  the  mercy  of  a  covenant  God  for  the  forgiveness  of 
your  sins,  the  renovation  of  your  heart,  and  the  guidance  of 
your  judgment.  Never  be  satisfied  with  an  avowedly  imper- 
feet  Christianity.  A  half  Christian  is  7io  Christian,  nor  is  he 
accepted  of  God.  Christ  is  a  whole,  perfect,  and  finished  Sa- 
viour  ;  and  whosoever  is  a  partaker  of  Christ,  is  a  partaker  of 
aU  that  he  is — has  done — and  will  do,  for  the  complete  salva- 
tion of  all  his  chosen.  Decency,  formality,  and  cold  cere- 
monial  worship,  are  poor  and  inefficacious  substitutes  for 
heart-service,  holy  affections,  trust  in  a  Saviour,  and  love  to 
God.  Not  unfrequent  are  the  times,  and  your  dear  mother 
often  experiences  them  also,  when  the  immensity  of  that  ques- 
tion, 'Am  I  his,  or  am  I  not?'  overwhelms  me^  and  I  should 
sink  in  despondency,  if  the  pure,  undeserved,  and  inexpressi- 
ble mercy  of  God  did  not  direct  my  soul  to  the  Redeemer's 
26 


298 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


blood,  which,  when  believed  in,  and  applied  to  the  guilty  and 
trembling  conscience,  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  opens  the 
door  to  hope  and  consolation.  May  my  beloved  child  flee  to 
the  same  fountain  with  genuine  humiliation,  and  find  the  like 
deliverance  :  and  may  his  anxious  parents  be  made  so  far 
partakers  of  his  thoughts,  as  to  feel  strong  in  the  Lord  on  his 
account.  My.  mind  was  much  affected  when  1  first  received 
you  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and  my  heart  went  out  in  lively 
prayer,  that  you  might  also  be  received  of  God — owned,  ho- 
nored, and  accepted,  as  a  child  of  heaven.  Live,  speak,  and 
act  as  a  consistent  communicant  of  the  church ;  the  vows  of 
the  Lord  are  upon  you  ;  but  if  all  be  right,  you  will  find  that 
his  yoke  is  easy,  and  his  burden  is  light.  I  v.'ish  to  look  upon 
you,  not  only  as  my  child  by  nature,  but  as  my  spiritual 
child,  and  therefore  (without  a  paradox)  my  spiritual  brother. 
Sweet  associations  of  relationship  are  formed  in  the  family  of 
God  and  the  household  of  faith.  Many  tender  and  alTectionate 
prayers  have  been  daily  offered  up  for  you  amongst  the  poor 
people  of  Turvey,  as  I  have  several  testimonies  to  prove. 
We  shall  soon  return  to  them  again,  God  willing ;  and  may 
those  prayers,  united  to  my  own,  be  fully  answered  in  the 
gracious  state  of  your  soul,  as  well  as  in  the  comfort  of  your 
bodily  health.  But  we  must,. as  to  the  Jatter,  await  the  Lord's 
will.'  He  doeth,  and  will  do  all  things  well.  Meditate  on 
these  things,  and  may  you  and  I  mutually  reap  the  benefit  of 
such  exercises  of  your  heart.  As  you  read  this  letter,  che- 
rish a  tender  as  well  as  a  dutiful  sentiment  towards  him  who 
penned  it,  and  accept  it  as  one  more  token  of  that  deep-seated 
love  which  I  bear  towards  you,  and  which  must  increasingly 
subsist,  while  /  remain  a  father,  and  you  a  son.  ^ 

"  I  yesterday  enjoyed  the  high  mental  luxury  of  walking  in 
the  broad  aisle  of  York  Minster,  quite  alone,  during  the 
morning  service.  As  often  before,  such  sights  and  such 
sounds  compelled  me  to  weep  ;^adas  I  was  solitary,  nothing 
interrupted  the  flow  of  my  heart.  -I  recollected  being  there 
once  with  you,  and  I  have  not  forgotten  bow  much,  if  I  mis- 
take not,  your  infant  heart  was  also  affected  at  that  time* 
Whether  we  shall  ever  again  meet  together,  in  that  magnifi- 
cent and  astonishing  fabric,  I  know  not ;  but,  oh !  may  God 
grant  that  we  finally  meet  in  the  *  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens.'  " 

The  summer  ^nd  autumn  were  spent  in  Scotland,  in  various 
excursions,  both  by  land  and  sea ;  but  after  various  alterua- 


KEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


299 


tions  of  hope  and  fear  in  this  treacherous  and  delusive  disor- 
der,  they  returned  together  to  Turvey,  without  any  decided 
amendment  in  the  dear  invalid. 

The  period  at  length  approached,  when  this  interesting 
youth,  the  subject  of  so  many  prayers  and  fond  anticipations, 
was  to  be  removed  from  this  earthly  scene.  The  wasted  form, 
the  hectic  look,  the  sunken  eye,  and  the  increasing  difficulty 
of  respiration,  all  denoted  that  the  hour  of  dissolution  was  ttt 
hand.  He  looked  like  a  tender  flower  nipped  in  the  bud  ;  but 
it  was  a  flower  soon  to  bloom  in  the  paradise  of  God.  His 
Christian  graces  had  been  gradually  unfolding,  and  his  mind 
carried  through  a  state  of  anxious  inquiry  and  close  examina- 
tion, till  it  was  able  to  rest  in  full  confidence  on  the  grace  and 
mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  He  discovej-ed  the  most 
earnest  desirn  for  solid  peace  and  comfort,  both  as  to  the 
ground  of  his  hope,  and  its  necessary  evidence. 

To  a  friend,  who  frequently  visited  him,  he  said,  "  I  wish 
to  be  under  no  mistake  or  delusion,  in  a  matter  of  so  much 
importance  as  the  salvation  of  my  immortal  soul.  Tell  me 
where  you  think  I  am  defective  in  my  views,  or  wanting  in  the 
experience  of  their  power.  Deal  faithfully  with  me,  do  not 
deceive  me;  prav  for  me,  above  all,  that  I  may  not  deceive 
myself." 

To  the  writer,  a  fortnight  before  his  death,  he  expressed 
himself  as  follows  :  "  I  trust  I  have  the  Christian's  hope,  but  I 
want  more  of  it.  1  want  more  of  that  hung-erinff  and  thirst- 
ing  after  righteousness,  which  the  Saviour  has  promised  to 
satisfy — which  we  ought  to  have  at  all  times  ;  but  which,  if  we 
have  not  in  death,  what  is  our  hope,  and  how  can  we  be  pre- 
pared to  die]*' 

The  last  visit  was  still  more  affecting  ;  it  was  only  two  days 
before  his  end.  He  was  sitting  in  an  arm  chair,  supported  with 
cushions,  and  seemed  to  be  in  a  very  exhausted  state.  His 
father  sat  opposite  to  him,  in  whose  countenance  was  depict- 
ed  the  struggle  of  nature  and  of  grace — of  nature,  for  he  was 
about  to  lose  his  child, — of  grace,  for  that  child  was  already 
on  the  very  threshold  of  glory.  In  another  part  of  the  room 
were  three  or  four  of  his  brothers  and  sisters,  some  of  them  in 
tears.  "  Speak  to  this  dear  boy,"  said  the  father,  address, 
ing  himself  tome,  "  and  question  him  about  his  hopes." 
r  I  sat  down  at  his  side,  and  taking  him  by  the  hand,  said, 
"  Can  you,  my  dear  boy,  pass  through  the  valley  of  the  sha- 
dow of  death,  and  say  with  David,  '  I  fear  no  evil  V  "  "  Yes,  I 
trust  so."    "What  is  the  ground  of  your  trust '/"    "  It  is> 


300 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


because  his  *rod  and  his  staff  they  comfort  me.'  My  hope 
rests  on  Christ  alone."  "  Have  you  no  doubts  to  be  re- 
moved  ?"  "  I  had  many  misgivings,  but  God  has  mercifully 
taken  them  all  away."  "  Is  your  heart  wholly  and  supreme- 
ly  set  upon  God  ?  Do  you  truly  love  him  ?"  "  I  hope  I  do, 
but  I  wish  I  loved  him  more."  "  Do  you  feel  weary  of  sick- 
ness?" "I  feel  more  weary  of  sin,  and  long  for  the  time 
when  it  will  be  laid  aside  for  ever."  "  Does  the  prospect  of 
glory  animate  and  support  you,  and  is  the  holiness  and  bless- 
edness of  heaven  the  subject  of  your  meditations  7"  "  Yes,  I 
have  been  thinking  of  it  with  great  delight  this  very  morning, 
and  almost  seem  to  have  entered  within  its  blessed  abodes." 

I  then  read  to  him  that  beautiful  chapter  in  the  Revelations 
(the  22d,)  descriptive  of  a  state  of  glory.  His  attention  was 
peculiarly  arrested.  After  I  had  finished,  "  This  happiness," 
I  said,  "  will  soon  be  yours,  and  the  portion  of  all  who  are  the 
Lord's."  Then  gathering  his  brothers  and  sisters  around  us, 
I  requested  him  to  bear  his  dying  testimony  to  the  value  of  the 
Gospel  in  this  trying  hour. 

He  spoke  tenderly  and  affectionately  to  all ;  the  marks  of 
approaching  dissolution,  gave  an  inexpressible  interest  to  the 
whole  scene.  Then,  particularly  addressing  himself  to  his 
brother  Henry,  he  observed — "  My  dear  father  once  hoped  to 
see  me  a  minister  in  the  church.  It  has  pleased  God  to  dis- 
appoint that  hope.  Do  you  fulfil  it,  in  my  place,  and  be  a 
comfort  to  my  father,  when  I  am  gone." 

Three  days  afterward,  Jan.  16,  1825,  his  happy  spirit 
took  its  flight  to  the  mansions  of  the  blessed. 

The  writer  of  this  memoir  fulfilled  the  last  solemn  offices. 
The  occasion  was  peculiarly  impressive  and  affecting. 

The  following  letters  are  pleasing  testimonies  to  the  piety 
of  the  departed  child,  and  the  resignation  of  the  bereaved 
parent. 

"  Turvey,  Jan.  25,  1825. 

"  My-much-loved  Son, — Amidst  many  arduous  struggles 
between  nature  and  grace,  sorrow  and  joy,  anxiety  and  conso- 
lation,  I  wish  to  express  a  few  of  my  feelings  towards  you.  A 
very  few  they  must  be,  compared  with  the  volume  of  emotions 
which  agitate  my  heart.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  grace,  peace, 
and  mercy  have  been  so  abundantly  inscribed  upon  the  whole 
of  this  affecting  transaction,  that  I  ought  solely  to  be  occupied 
m  songs  of  praise  to  God,  for  all  his  goodness  to  me  and  mine. 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


301 


The  delightful  enlargement  of  heart,  the  liberty  of  tongue, 
the  humiliation  of  soul,  the  affectionate  tenderness,  the  sweet 
serenity  of  mind,  the  dignity  of  sentiment,  the  laboriously  ac- 
quired intimacy  with  tlie  Scriptures,  the  earnestness  to  speak, 
to  exhort,  and  comfort  each  and  every  individual,  the  devo- 
tional spirit,  the  clearness  of  doctrinal  views,  and  their  blessed 
application  in  imparting  solid  peace  and  comfort,  in  the  pros- 
pect of  dying,  all  of  which  illustrated  and  adorned  his  latter 
end,  were  beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectation  :  it  was,  and 
shall  be  matter  for  joy  and  gratitude. 

"  We  have  now  found  letters,  some  of  them  near  four  years 
old,  and  others  written- while  he  w'as  in  Scotland,  beautifully 
descriptive  of  his  state  of  mind  ;  while  the  conversations — 
close,  deep,  and  searching — which  I  enjoyed  with  him  during 
the  last  fortnight,  produced  the  most  convincing  demonstra- 
tions that  he  had  been  ripening  for  glory,  beyond  our  thoughts 
and  imagination.  For  a  season  he  was  reserved  towards 
me,  relative  to  personal  feelings;  but  at  length,  of  his  own 
accord,  he  broke  out  like  the  sun  from  behind  a  cloud,  and 
light  diifused  itself  over  the  whole  moral  and  spiritual  land- 
scape. 

"  It  was  gratifying  to  me  to  find  that  the  humiliation  of  his 
spirit  was  precisely  such  as  I  particularly  wished  to  see  it. 
For  four  or  five  days  previous  to  the  arrival  of  my  wife  and 
Fanny,  God  so  mercifully  ordered  it,  that  he  said  every  thing 
to  me,  and  I  to  him,  which  I  could  possibly  have  wished. 
Our  whole  souls,  on  almost  every  topic  of  feeling,  opinion, 
confidence,  faithful  dealing,  and  unreserved  affection,  were 
mutually  opened.  Oh  !  they  were  sweet  days.  The  pressure 
of  weakness,  disease,  and  pain  often  afterward  interrupted 
our  lengthened  communications  ;  but  sweeter  and  brighter 
still  were  the  intervals  of  ease  and  short  conversation.  Many 
witnessed  his  lovely  testimonies,  and  none  can  ever  forget 
them. 

Two  hours  and  a  half  before  his  death,  he  went  to  bed, 
and  laid  his  head  upon  the  pillow.  I  said  to  him—'  So  he  giv- 
eth  his  beloved  rest.'  He  replied,  '  Yes  ;  and  sweet  indeed 
is  the  rest  which  Christ  give?.'  He  never  awoke  from  this 
sleep  ;  but  when  we  dreaded,  from  past  examples,  a  painful 
waking,  he  imperceptibly  w  ent.off,  in  perfect  peace,  without  a 
sigh,  or  groan,  or  struggle,  or  even  opening  of  the  eye.  I 
did  not  suppose  it  possible  for  any  death  to  be  such  as  this. 
Peace,  rest,  gentleness,  faith,  hope,  and  love,  all  seemed  to 
26* 


302 


MEMO  IKS  OF  THE 


be  the  characteristics  of  his  mind  and  of  his  dissolution.  Oh  I 
what  love,  what  mercy,  what  grace  ! 

"  One  of  the  most  remarkable  circumstances  attending  him 
was,  his  secret  and  deep  exercise  of  heart  and  study  of  the 
Scriptures,  beyond  my  own  supposition,  owing  to  his  reserve 
and  silence.  I  saw  much  that  I  loved  and  admired,  but  I  was 
not  aware  of  the  half.  Our  feelings  are  much  tried  in  propor- 
tion to  the  endearing  nature  of  our  past  and  recent  intercourse. 
But,  as  he  often  said,  '  I  know  whom  I  have  trusted,'  and 
this  relieves  and  consoles  me.  He  was  deeply  impressed  with 
the  idea  that  his  removal  was  designed  for  the  spiritual  good 
of  others.  I  think  it  is  manifest  already,  in  more  instances 
than  one. 

"The  whole  village  has  been  much  in  prayer  and  weeping, 
for  some  weeks  past,  and  the  tenderest  affections  have  pre- 
vailed throughout :  it  is  a  season  of  much  love. 

"  On  Sunday,  Mr.  Ayre  will  preach  a  funeral  sermon  for 
our  dear  boy  ;  and  a  beautiful  hymn  of  Bishop  Heber  will  be 
sung  by  the  congregation. 

"  Give  my  tenderest  love  to  dear  Mary.  Comfort  her 
heart ;  and  may  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, keep  hers  and  your  heart." 

"  To  the  Rev.  James  Marshall 

"  Turvey,  Feb.  6,  1825. 

"  My  ever  dear  Child,* 

"  And  now  to  the  subject  which  occupies  by  far  the  greater 
part  of  my  thoughts,  by  day  and  by  night.  I  should  find  it  no 
easy  task  to  describe  the  state  of  my  feelings.  No  previous 
event  of  my  life,  with  the  exception  of  what  passed  during 
your  beloved  mother's  dangerous  illness,  near  ten  years  since, 
ever  exercised  my  heart  like  this.  And  as  that  illness  ter- 
minated favorably,  the  circumstances  no  longer  assimilate. 
Dear,  blessed  boy,  I  watched  over  and  cherished  his  infancy, 
childhood,  and  youth,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  for  eighteen 
years,  with  no  common  measure  of  parental  feeling.  I  de- 
lighted in  his  superior  mind  ;  endeavored  to  check  its  errors, 
and  to  cherish  its  virtues  ;  and  too  fondly  hoped  that  he  might 
have  been  spared  as  an  ornament  to  the  sanctuary.  From 
the  beginning  of  last  summer  I  went  on  pilgrimage  with  him, 
both  for  his  soul  and  body's  sake.  God  alone  knows  what  I 
endured,  in  the  inmost  thoughts  of  my  heart.    But  the  Lord 


*  Mrs,  Marsliall. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


303 


was  ordering  all  things  well,  beyond  what  I  conceived.  The 
most  valuable  intercourse  which  I  enjoyed  with  him  during 
our  Scotch  residence,  was  in  those  hours  after  breakfast,  when, 
as  you  m^y  remember,  I  used  to  read,  talk,  and  pray  with 
him,  previous  to  his  receiving  the  sacrament  at  Greenock.  I 
then  saw  many  lovely  testimonies  of  his  state  of  mind.  After 
his  return  home,  he  was  more  reserved  as  to  the  personal 
question,  although  ever  ready  to  converse  on  the  general  sub- 
jects  of  religion,  and  that  with  much.clearness  and  precision. 
But  at  length  the  sweet  sunshine  broke  from  the  cloud,  and 
filled  the  horizon  most  beautifully.  We  poured  out  our  whole 
hearts  to  each  other,  and  mutually  blessed  God  for  the  liberty 
of  feeling  and  language  which  we  obtained.  I  felt  much  when 
he  had  just  departed,  but  I  think  I  feel  more  now.  A  thousand 
spiritual  questions  press  upon  my  conscience  and  considera- 
tion.  Regrets,  convictions,  meltings,  hopes,  fears,  doubts, 
resolutions,  anxieties,  joys,  retrospections,  anticipations,  all 
mingle,  all  exercise,  all  agitate  my  heart.  It  was  his  declared 
and  solemn  impression,  that  his  death  was  to  be  as  life  to 
others.  Thank  God  I  see  it  so,  both  in  the  house  and  the  pa- 
rish— an  important  work  is  going  on  in  both,  beyond  former 
priBcedent.  I  have  not  seen  the  like  before,  to  the  same  ex- 
tent.   Blessed  be  God  ! 

"  Dear  Willy  told  me,  on  the  Monday  evening  before  he 

died,  that  Mr.  M  's  affectionate  attentions  to  him  had 

never  been  exceeded  by  those  of  a  real  brother  ;  and  that  he 
should  love  him  dearly  as  long  as  he  lived,  and  '  much  longer,' 
he  said,  if'  such  consciousness  shall  be  permitted.  And  dear 
Mary,'  he  added,  *  how  kind  she  was  to  us  all,  last  summer  ! 
1  shall  not  see  her  again  on  earth,  but  I  trust  we  shall  meet 
hereafter!'  Our'last  Lord's  supper  was  a  very  affecting  and 
trying  one  :  the  family  kneeled  around  the  grave,  to  which 
we  had  recently  commited  the  mortal  remains  of  one  so  dear. 
I  stood  upon  the  very  spot ;  and  dear  Henry,  for  the  first 
time,  came  weeping,  trembling,  and  rejoicing,  to  supply  his 
departed  brother's  place.  I  could  hardly  have  conceived  that 
after  so  long  meditating  upon  the  probable  removal  of  my  child 
from  this  mortal  scene,  I  should  have  had  scuh  exquisitely 
trying  emotions  to  undergo.  How  little  we  know  ourselves 
until  our  principles  and  feelings  are  put  to  the  proof!" 

Some  months  after  this  afflicting  bereavement,  the  editor 
was  called  upon  to  unite  Mr.  Richmond's  third  daughter, 
Henrietta,  to  the  Rev.  John  Ayre,  his  friend  and  curate,  now 


304 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


the  clasical  tutor  of  the  Church  Missionary  college,  at  Is- 
liogton. 

It  was  a  great  solace  in  the  midst  of  his  affliction,  to  unite 
his  child  with  a  gentleman  whose  principles  he  cordially  ap- 
proved, and  who  was  in  full  possession  of  his  confidence 
and  esteem'. 

The  following  letters  were  addressed  by  Mr.  Richmond  to 
his  son-in-law  and  daughter  previous  to  their  marriage. 

"  Turvey,  JiUy  6,  1825. 

"My  dear  Henrietta, — Take,  my  beloved  child,  a  father's 
blessing,  prayers,  best  wishes,  and  approval  of  your  affection, 
ate  project.  I  hope  the  matter  is  of  God,  or  I  could  not  say 
what  I  have  done.  The  apostolical  rule  is  to  '  marry  only  in 
the  Lord  and  every  Christian  should  be  guided  by  it.  Earth- 
ly affection,  however  powerful,  is  not  of  itself  a  warrant  for 
the  nuptial  union.  Where  passion  drives  the  steeds  by  which 
the  vehicle  of  our  plans  and  endeavors  is  carried  forward, 
'we  may  expect,  sooner  or  later^  an  overturn.  But  when  the 
heavenly  Spirit  of  truth  and  peace  guides  and  governs  our 
machinery  of  conduct,  all  is  right  and  safe.  Nov/  I  am  full 
of  hope,  from  Mr.  Ayre's  and  your  letters,  that  this  is  the 
case.  Real  Christianity  as  a  foundation,  with  personal  esteem 
and  affection,  united  to  congeniality  of  feelings  on  all  im- 
portant subjects,  as  a  superstructure,  will  ever  make  the  mar- 
riage union  a  source  of  happiness  for  both  worlds. 

"  I  am  disposed  to  concur  with  you  in  thinking  that  my  es- 
teemed friend's  principles,  acquirements,  talents,  and  steadi- 
ness of  character  are  good  pledges  of  his  success  in  life  ;  and 
as  Providence,  not  design,  first  brought  you  together,  and 
seems  to  have  guided  you  both,  I  feel  myself  justified  in  join- 
ing my  consent  and  sanction  to  the  future  realizing  of  those 
views  which  form  the  subject  of  his  and  your  letters  to  me. 
May  constancy,  faithfulness,  and  reciprocal  love,  character- 
ize your  attachment,  and  adorn  your  conduct.  Let  prudence, 
propriety,  and  consideration,  regulate  all  your  behavior,  du- 
ring the  interval  which  must  naturally  elapse,  before  all  is 
concluded.  Keep  in  mind  the  dignity  as  well  as  the  kindliness 
of  the  Christian  lover  ;  courtship  and  marriage  are  honora- 
ble in  all,  when  principle  and  grace  direct  our  choice.  May 
you  prove  a  blessing  to  each  other,  and  may  the  love  of  God 
be  shed  abroad  in  both  your  hearts  !'  " 


REV.  LEGH  BICHMO>'D. 


305 


"  My  dear  friend, — Of  all  human  connexions  and  projects, 
none  appears  to  be  of  more  importance  than  that  of  marriage. 
Whatever  is  valuable  in  private  life,  whatever  is  prosperous 
in  public  life,  whatever  is  scriptural  in  spiritual  life,  and  what- 
ever is  momentous  in  eternal  life,  has  a  deep  foundation  laid, 
in  the  economy  of  providence  and  grace,  in  marriage.  It 
should  be  built  upon  the  purest  principles  of  faith,  hope,  and 
love.  It  unites  two  souls  for  time  and  eternity.  It  educates 
souls  for  the  church  of  God,  It  tbrms,  or  reforms,  or  deforms 
character.  It  blesses  or  it  curses.  It  makes  happy  or  misera- 
ble. It  brings  every  precept  of  religion  into  active  exercise. 
Therefore,  when  rightly  undertaken,  '  marriage  is  honorable 
in  all.'  You,  my  friend,  I  am  persuaded,  are  convinced  of  these 
truths,  and  I  doubt  not  wish  to  prove  it  in  the  present  instance. 

"  I  trust  the  providence  of  God  in  the  matter,  and  that 
you  and  my  dear  child  will  be  guided  for  the  best  in  every 
thing  connected  with  the  subject.  My  prayer  is  that  grace 
may  reign  throughout,  and  that  you  may  prdVe  helpmates 
to  each  other  in  your  pilgrimage  through  this  to  a  better 
world. 

*'  My  heart  often  sinks  within  me,  when  I  see  how  little 
solid,  sterling  vital  piety,  manifests  itself  even  amongst  many 
creditable  Christians.  I  the  more  earnestly  pray  for  myself, 
and  for  all  belonging  to  me,  that  we  may  walk  circumspectly, 
redeeming  the  time  amidst  evil  days.  How  much  more  of  the 
Spirit's  influence  do  we  all  need  I  When  I  look  back  upon  a 
half-century  of  rational  existence,  I  blush  and  take  shame  to 
myself.  How  much  done  which  I  might  wish  undone  ;  and 
not  do/ie,  that  ought  to  have  been  done.  The  Publican's 
prayer  is  mine,  and  will  alone  suit  me,  even  to  my  dying 
hour. 

.  Farewell,  for  a  short  interval,  and  believe  me  affection, 
ately  yours,  Legh  RICH>lo^'D." 

"  Rev.  John  Ai/re,  Turvey,  Olney,  Biicks.''^ 

The  marriage  between  Mr.  Ayre  and  Mr.  Richmond's 

daughter  H  ,  took  place  in  the  beginning  of  July.  The 

affection  displayed  by  the  villagers  on  this  occasion  was  truly 
gratifying  to  the  fellings  of  the  family.  When  the  party 
arrived  at  the  church,  they  found  the  walls  decorated  with 
evergreens,  and  the  pavement  leading  to  the  altar  strewed 
with  flowers.  Two  hearts,  formed  with  the  heads  of  flowers, 
and  the  words  "  May  God  bless  you  !"  traced  in  the  same 
manner  underneath,  exhibited  both  the  taste  and  the  affection 


306 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  the  parish  clerk.  This  rustic  attempt  at  elegance,  so 
unsought  for  and  unexpected,  was  a  pleasing  testimony  to  the 
interest  excited  in  the  parish,  by  every  event  connected  with 
their  beloved  pastor. 

Mr.  Richmond  did  not  suffer  his  daughter  to  leave  her 
paternal  roof,  without  expressing  his  solicitude  for  her  future 
welfare,  by  addressing  to  her  a  series  of  admonitions,  from 
which  we  select  the  following. 

1.  Keep  a  devoted  heart  to  God  in  the  least  and  most 
common  transactions  of  every  hour  ;  as  well  as  in  those 
events  which  may  seem  to  call  the  loudest  for  manifestation 
of  religious  conscience  and  principle. 

"  2.  Pray  regularly  and  frequently  for  the  grace  to  live 
and  die  by. 

"  3.  In  every  possible  circumstance  keep  in  mind  that 
God's  eye  is  upon  you. 

"  4.  Beware  of  forming  hasty  judgments  of  characters  ; 
and  above  all'of  hastily  uttering  sentiments  and  remarks  to 
their  disparagement.  Be  known  for  charity,  forbearance, 
and  kindness. 

'*  5.  Keep  Christ's  golden  rule  in  constant  remembrance. 
It  is  the  panacea  for  most  of  the  evils  of  this  life,  so  far  as 
they  are  connected  with  social  intercourse. 

"  6.  Avoid  all  prejudices  against  nations,  churches,  sects, 
and  parties.  They  are  the  bane  of  both  public  and  private 
charity  and  comfort ;  and  are  directly  contrary  to  the  spirit 
and  letter  of  Christianity.  You  may  and  ought  to  have  con- 
scientious, well-grounded  preferences,  hut  not  one  half-formed 
ill -formed  'prejudice  against  any. 

"  7.  Be  courteous  to  all,  friendly  with  few,  intimate  with 
fewer,  still  strictly  confidential  with  fewest  of  all. 

"  8.  Choose  female  intimates,  as  opportunities  may  pre- 
sent them,  with  circumspection.  Many  civil,  hospitable, 
agreeable  people  are,  after  all,  not  improving  companions. 
We  may  owe  and  pay  them  the  debt  of  civility,  kindness,  and 
gratitude,  and  yet  not  be  obliged  to  give  them  too  much  of 
our  voluntary  time  and  affection.  Two  or  three  truly  Chris- 
tian women  comprise  a  circle  of  large  and  profitable  friend- 
^ship — seek — and  may  you  succeed  in  finding  them. 

"  9.  Be  not  contented  with  any  thing  short  of  deep,  de- 
voted,  diligent,  decided  seriousness.  Make  not  the  too  nu- 
merous half-hearted,  and  decent  but  dubious  Christians 
your  pattern  for  imitation.  Let  your  mark  and  standard  be 
very  high,  and  your  aim  be  steady  and  determinate. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  307 

**  10.  If  you  and  your  husband  happen  to  differ  in  opinion 
and  feeling  upon  any  point,  remember  whom  you  have  pro- 
mised to  love,  honor,  and  obey.    This  will  settle  all  things. 

"11.  I  trust  your  heart  is  taught  in  the  real  school  of 
Christ.  Inquire  with  much  prayer  into  this,  day  by  day. 
Trust  not  to  past  privileges,  education,  or  experience.  Seek 
for  present  evidences,  such  as  would  comfort  you  under  sud- 
den alarms  and  distresses,  should  they  occur.  Study  your  own 
character  and  disposition,  as  drawn  from  a  review  of  your 
whole  past  life  ;  and  often  carry  to  the  Lord,  in  prayer  and 
confession,  what  results  from  such  self-examination. 

"  12.  Study  and  observe  great  simplicity  and  plainness  in 
dress.  A  clergyman's  wife  should  be  a  pattern  of  simplicity 
in  that  particular.  It  is  a  just  outcry  against  too  many  pro- 
fessing  females,  that  they  are  much  too  showy  and  gay  in 
their  outward  apparel. — Remember  the  Apostle's  injunction 
on  this  important  subject.    1  Peter  iii,  1 — 6. 

"  13.  You  are  bidding  farewell  to  your  father's  house,  as 
the  home  of  your  infancy,  childhood,  and  youth. — Yet  the 
remembrance  of  that  home  will  be  dear  to  you  for  life, 
wherever  your  new  home  may  be  situated.  I  repeal — re- 
member the  religious  principles  of  your  father's  house,  at  all 
times,  and  in  all  places ;  may  they  prove  a  guide  to  you  in 
life,  and  a  consolation  in  ^ealh.  Christ  has  been  freely  and 
fully  made  known  to  you.  Let  Christ  be  your  all,  now, 
hereafter  ;  for  ever  !" 

We  have  already  mentioned  the  disappointment  of  Mr. 
Richmond  with  respect  to  his  eldest  son  Nugent,  and  the 
choice  made  by  the  youth  of  a  seafaring  life.  We  now  re- 
sume the  subject  of  his  history. 

He  had  been  employed  in. different  merchant  vessels, 
sailing  from  Bencoolen,  Calcutta,  and  other  parts  of  India,  to 
the  Isle  of  France  and  Gibraltar.  From  the  latter  place,  he 
wrote  to  his  father  in  the  years  1820  and  1821,  strongly 
urging  a  meeting  betweea  them.  His  letters  had  been  ex- 
presssive  of  much  affection,  contrition  for  the  past,  and  sin- 
cere desires  of  amendment.  Several  persons,  who  had  op- 
portunities of  observing  him,  bore  pleasing  testimony  to  the 
change  of  his  character  and  conduct.  Among  these  were  Mr. 
Chater,  a  missionary  at  Ceylon  ,  Mr.  Rees,  another  mission, 
ary  at  Gibraltar;  and  Lieutenant  Bailey,  R.  N.  of  the  same 
place,  who  gave  a  decisive  proof  of  his  confidence  byjntrust-i 


9" 

308  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

ing  him  with  the  care  of  his  son.  The  officers  under  whom 
he  had  served  also  spoke  highly  of  his  attention,  and  gene- 
ral propriety  of  behavior. 

The  following  interesting  letter  gives  an  afTecting  de- 
scription of  a  shipwreck  which  he  suffered,  and  the  state  of 
his  feelings  under  those  circumstances  : — 

"  Calcutta,  July  7,  1324. 

My  dear  Father, 

"  We  left  Calcutta  in  May,  and  proceeded  as  far  as 
Saugur  island,  on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  when  the  weather 
began  to  look  very  unsettled.  Another  ship,  and  a  large  brig, 
were  in  company  with  us.  On  the  evening  of  the  27th,  about 
an  hour  before  dark,  the  Oracabessa  began  to  drive.  A 
perfect  hurricane  ensued,  and  such  a  sea  got  up,  that  the  ship 
was  continually  burying  herself  under  water,  which  prevented 
the  people  from  working  forward.  We  could  now  do  nothing 
farther — every  thing  having  been  attempted  to  avoid  the 
dreadful  fate  that  seemed  to  await  us.  I  seized  this  opportu- 
nity to  go  down  to  my  cabin,  to  pray  to  the  Lord  for  his  di- 
vine  assistance  and  protection.  In  the  midst  of  my  prayers 
and  tears,  the  ship  struck  on  a  sand  at  a  quarter  before  nine 
o'clock ;  with  such  a  shock,  as  to  throw  down  several  per- 
sons, and  make  me  stagger  on  my  knees. 

"  Every  thing  was  now  in  confusion,  as  the  ship  continued 
striking  very  hard.  There  was  nothing  but  one  wild  surf 
around  us,  and  a  raging  sea  beating  all  over, — the  wind 
blowing  a  complete  hurricane.  However,  in  two  hours  an 
excellent  raft  was  made,  capable  of  carrying  from  thirty  to 
forty  people.  As  the  flood. made,  we  again  struck  violently, 
and  the  ship  sprung  a  leak.  But  as  every  thing  was  now  in 
readiness  to  meet  the  worst,  we  anxiously  waited  for  day- 
light. 

In  the  meantime,  I  again  went  below,  and  prayed  with 
heart  and  soul  to  Almighty  God  to  save  us.  My  prayers 
were  answered  sooner  than  could  be  expected  ;  for  a  cer- 
tain  something,  a  kind  of  comfortable  thought,  seemed  to  arise 
within  me  and  say,  *  Thy  life  shall  be  saved  !'  And  not  all 
the  shocks,  seas  or  wind,  afterward,  could  make  me  think 
or  fear  the  contrary.  Surely  there  never  was  a  greater  proof 
of  the  Lord  being  with  us  ;  it  animated  and  comforted  me, 
and  made  me  work  and  exert  myself  with  double  energy. 
During  a  great  part  of  this  time  it  rained  violently,  with 
thunder  and  lightning. 


EEV.   LEGH  RICHMOND.  309 

"  Long  wished-for  daylight  at  length  came  ;  when,  having 
put  a  few  small  things  into  the  boats,  we  abandoned  the  un- 
fortunate ship,  making  our  way  through  dreadful  breakers  ; 
in  which  had  the  boat  touched,  we  must  inevitably  have  per- 
ished." 

In  another  letter,  written  about  the  same  time,  he  re- 
marks  : — 

"  Oh  !  my  good  father  !  no  one  can  conceive  the  horrors  of 
shipwreck,  but  those  who  have  experienced  them.  Many 
grateful  and  heartfelt  thanks  to  that  divine  Providence,  that 
has  again  saved  me  from  a  watery  grave  ! 

"  In  this  unfortunate  occurrence,  1  have  lost  every  thing. 
My  loss  in  private  speculation  is  3500  rupees.  My  books, 
furniture,  and  wearing  apparel,  together  with  '  The  British 
Encyclopedia,'  are  all  gone,  and  amount  to  a  considerable 
sum.  I  saved  nothing  but  a  very  small  trunk,  in  which,  pri- 
or to  my  leaving  the  ship,  I  put  my  Bible  and  the  '  Annals  of 
the  Poor,'  with  two  suits  of  clothes  and  my  watch.  How  my 
hopes  and  expectations  are  frustrated  !  Oh,  that  all  this  may 
be  for  my  good  !  I  have  now  to  begin  the  world  again  :  and 
hope  to  do  so  in  reality,  and  in  more  respects  than  one." 

Nugent  arrived  at  Calcutta  in  a  most  destitute  state. 
Through  the  great  kindness  and  benevolent  exertions  of  the 
Rev.  5lr.  Thomason,  to  whom  he  made  himself  known,  a 
subscription  was  raised  for  him,  out  of  respect  to  his  father, 
amounting  to  100  guineas,  by  means  of  which,  he  was  provi- 
ded  with  necessary  comforts. 

This  calamity  was  rendered  the  more  distressing  to  him, 
by  its  occasioning  the  suspension  of  his  marriage  with  a  young 
lady  at  Calcutta,  of  pious  character  and  principles,  to  whom 
he  was  engaged.  Anxious  to  repair  his  past  misfortunes, 
he  obtained  an  eligible  employment  on  board  another  vessel  ; 
and  likewise  a  promise,  on  the  part  of  the  young  lady,  that 
if  his  circumstances  enabled  him  to  marry,  she  would  unite 
herself  to  him  on  his  return. 

His  new  speculations  having  proved  successful,  he  once 
more  returned  to  Calcutta,  full  of  the  image  of  the  happiness 
that  awaited  him,  and  disposed  to  forget  the  past,  in  the 
brightening  prospects  of  the  future.  But  who  shall  describe 
the  bitter  anguish  of  his  mind,  when,  on  presenting  himself  at 
the  well  known  house  where  he  had  left  his  intended  bride, 
he  found  the  family  in  deep  mourning,  and  received  the  meL 
27 


310 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


ancholy  intelligence  of  her  death.  She  had  been  seized  with 
a  fever,  which  carried  her  off  a  few  days  before  his  arrival  ! 

While  Mr.  Richmond  was  paying  a  second  visit  to  the  Isle 
of  Wtglit,.in  Aug.  1825,  to  recover  the  shock  which  his  health 
and  spirits  had  sustained  from  the  death  of  his  son  Wilber- 
force,  some  indistinct  rumors  reached  him  respecting  that  of 
his  son  Nugent.  He  had  received  communications  from  him,, 
stating  his  intention  to  revisit  England  ;  and  declaring  that 
the  two  happiest  days  of  his  life  would  be,  "  lirst,  when  he 
should  see  again  his  dear  parents,  after  so  long  an  absence  ; 
and  the  second  when  he  should  be  weaned  from  the  danger 
of  temptation."  Mr.  Richmond  was  anticipating  his  return 
with  much  delight,  when  he  heard  the  report  of  his  having 
died  on  his  voyage  homeward.  Every  inquiry  was  made  to 
ascertain  the  truth  of  this  rumor,  and  the  father's  heart  was 
again  filled  with  the  most  anxious  disquietude. 

in  this  year  Mr.  Richmond  went  to  Bristol,  Gloucester, 
Cheltenham,  Worcester,  and  Hereford,  to.be  present  at  the 
anniversaries  of  the  Jewish  Auxiliary  Society.  On  his  return 
to  Turvey,  he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his  eldest  daugh- 
ter, in  Scotland,^ — a  child  very  dear  to  his  heart,  and  one  who 
well  knew  how  to 'sympathize  with  his  sorrows,  and  to  share 
them  with  him. 

"  Turvei/,  Oct  25,  1825. 

"  My  dsarest  Mary, — I  have  lately  been  present  at  an  in. 
teresting  meeting  of  the  Jewish  Auxiliary  Society,  at  Bristol. 
You  know  my  companions  in  this  journey  :  I  feel  better  for 
it.  My  strength  and  spirits  have  been  greatly  affected  for 
a  long  time — indescribably  so  ;  for  it  often  does  not  much  ap. 
pear  to  others,  at  least  not  in  its  real  extent.  Notwithstanding 
my  supposed  readiness  of  speech,  and  the  overflow  of  tender 
feelings,  which  plead  for  utterance,  I  am  often  thoughtful, 
silent  and  constrained,  when  it  might  be  better  for  me  to  com- 
..municate  more  of  what  passes  within. 

"Our  visit  to  Mrs.  Hannah  More,  was  a  high  gratification. 

"  We  have  been  kept  in  long  suspense  about  poor  dear 
Nugent ;  he  was  dangerously  ill  when  I  last  heard  of  him.  I 
have  reason  to  expect  a  speed}^  letter  now  arriving  in  Eng- 
land. I  have  received  rumors  of  his  having  died  on  his  pas- 
sage home,  and  am  fully  prepared  for  the  worst ;  but  do  not 
notice  what  I  say  until  you  hear  again,  as  it  distresses  your 
dear  mother  greatly.  I  thank  God,  I  have  had  many  satis- 
factory testimonies  of  his  state  of  mind,  and  feel  much  com- 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


311 


fort  on  that  head.  Henry  and  I  were  three  weeks  under  the 
roof  of  his  intimate  and  very  Christian  friend,  Lieutenant 
Bailey,  R.  N.,  from  Gibraltar,  now  at  Cowes ;  and  collected 
many  interesting  circumstances  relating  to  him.  I  desire  to 
bow  to  the  will  of  God,  in  this  dispensation  of  his  providence. 
I  saw  one  of  his  most  intimate  friends  last  week,  who  had  just 
come  from  the  East,  nnd  had  heard  a  report  of  his  decease. 
I  mention  these  things  to  you,  that,  with  me,  you  may  l^ok' 
up  to  God  for  a  right  state  of  mind,  under  all  the  designs  and 
decrees  of  his  will. 

I  have  had  the  satisfaction  of  obtaining  likenesses,  very 
nicely  executed,  in  the  same  style  with  those  of  your  father 
and  mother  (in  the  drawing-room,)  of  Fanny,  Henry,  Henri- 
etta, and  Legh.  I  wish  for  yours  and  Mr.  Marshall's,  by  the 
same  hand.  My  feelings  are  strong  on  this  subject,  and  the 
irrecoverable  loss  of  my  dear  Wilberforce,  and  probably  of 
Nugent,  render  them  stronger.  It  is,  I  had  almost  said,  a 
blessed  art,  which  can  perpetuate  to  the  eye,  what  affection- 
ate memory  does  to  the  heart.  In  the  midst  of  life  we  arc 
in  death,  and  who  can  tell  what  may  occur  !  I  honor  the  art 
of  painting  much,  for  the  sake  both  of  the  dead  and  living. 
I  often  look  around  my  study,  surrounded  as  I  am  by  the  re- 
semblances of  many  loved  and  honored  ancestors  ;  and  their 
forms  on  canvas  realize  not  a  few  grateful  recollections  of 
infancy,  childhood,  and  youth.  I  can  sigh  and  weep,  and 
smile  too,  in  the  solitude  of  my  chamber,  v.  hen  I  am  still,  and 
communing  with  my  own  heart. 

"Just  as  I  finish  my  letter,  I  cast  my  eye  on  Willy's 
walking-stick.  Oh  !  how  these  relics  strike  to  my  soul's  af- 
fection? !  With  our  two  sticks,  alas  !  he  and  I  wandered 
on  the  shores  of  Rothsay  and  the  adjoining  walks,  and  in 
many  another  spot ;  and  now  they  stand  side-by-side,  in  the 
corner  of  my  study.  The  partnership  of  the  sticks  is  pre- 
served On  earth,  but  not  that  of  their  possessors  : — we  are 
separated.  Yet,  oh  !  that  we  may  be  re-united  Medita- 
tions on  this  subject  often  agitate,  sometimes  console,  always 
solemnize  my  mind. 

"  Farewell.    Love  to  your  fire-side." 

After  the  lapse  of  a  few  weeks,  a  letter  arrived  from  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Thomason,  of  Calcutta,  dated  January  23d,  1825, 
stating  that  Nugent  had  left  that  place  in  July  1824,  in  a 
vessel  bound  to  the  Mauritius  : — that  he  had  been  previously 
seized  with  a  fever,  from  which  he  was  not  perfectly  recover- 


312 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


ed  at  the  time  of  setting  sail : — that  afterwards,  being  exposed 
to  very  severe  weather,  he  experienced  a  relapse — was 
occasionally  delirious  ;  and  at  length,  to  the  surprise  of  all 
on  board,  was  found  dead  one  morning  in  his  cabin.  A  little 
nory  box  was  discovered,  containing  a  few  jewels  and  gold 
chains,  which  he  had  intended  as  presents  to  his  brothers  and 
sisters.  On  the  inside  of  the  cover  of  this  box,  the  folluw- 
?ng  lines  were  written  in  his  own  hand,  in  pencil,  appar- 
ently  a  short  time  before  his  death  : — 

"  Where  vice  hns  held  its  empire  long 
'Twill  not  endure  the  least  control; 
None  but  a  power  divinely  strong 
Can  turn  the  current  of  tlie  soul. 

"  Great  God  !  I  own  tliy  power  divine, 
That  works  to  cliange  this  heart  of  mine  ! 
I  would  be  formed  anew,  and  bless 
The  wonders  of  renewing  grace." 

Such  is  the  eventful  history  of  Mr.  Richmond's  eldest  son  : 
at  once  affording  a  salutary  warning  to  the  children  of  reli- 
gious  parents,  and  encouraging  such  parents  to  exercise  un- 
limited confidence  in  the  promises  of  God.  Let  those  who 
trifle  with  their  opportunities,  and  refuse  to  hearken  to  the 
counsels  of  parental  piety  an('  affection,  mark,  in  the  blight- 
ed prospects  and  repeated  trials  of  this  young  man,  an  ex- 
pression  of  the  Divine  displeasure.  For  though  in  the  midst 
of  wrath  God  remembers  mercy,  yet  in  his  inscrutable  wisdom 
he  often  makes  a  man  "  to  possess  the  iniquities  of  his  youth ;" 
and  in  his  sore  chastisement,  keeps  alive  the  penitent  recol- 
lection  of  the  sins  which  he  has  long  since  pardoned^  Let 
pious  parents  while  mourning  over  the  wanderings  of  their 
offspring,  never  cease  from  the  holy  importunity  of  prayer, 
that  God  would  meet  the  prodigal  "  in  his  ways,"  and  turn 
him  into  the  paths  of  righteousness  and  truth  ;  that,  like  Mr. 
Richmond,  thev  who  have  "  sowed  in  tears,  may  reap  in 

joy."     .  ' 

A  tablet  was  erected  by  his  father,  in  the  Church  of  Tur- 
vey,  recording  the  manner  of  his  death.  The  last  four  lines 
of  the  above  verses  were  introduced,  together  with  the  fol- 
lowing appropriate  passage  from  the  Psalms — "  Thou  shalt 
show  us  wonderful  things  in  thy  righteousness,  O  God  of  our 
salvation,  thou  that  art  the  hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
«nd  of  them  that  remain  in  the  broad  sea." — (Ps.  Ixv,  5.) 


REV.   LEGH  KICltMOND. 


313 


In  reference  to  the  death  of  his  son  Nugent,  he  wrote  the 
following  letters  : — 

To  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Marshall,  Glasgow: 

"  Turvey,  August  3,  1825. 

"  My  ever  dear  Daughter, 

Hi  *  ¥  *  -:f:  %  :;c  ^  + 

"  The  circumstances  attendant  upon  our  dear  Nugent's  end 
are  few  and  simple.  You  are  aware  what  a  long  series  of 
favorable  accounts  of  his  general  behavior  we  have  had  from 
a  variety  of  quarters.  You  should  know,  that  from  at  least 
five  religious  friends  I  have  received  highly  satisfactory  testi- 
monies  of  his  religious  feelings  and  principles,  although  he  was 
modest  and  reserved  in  speaking  of  himself.  1  had  much  infer- 
mation  while  I  was  visiting  his  most  intimate  friend,  Mr.  Bai- 
ley, in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  (late  of  Gibraltar,)  whose  little  babe 
was  christened  Mercy  Nugent  Richmond.  The  time  of  his 
shipwreck  seemed  to  have  been  one  of  special  prayer  and  im- 
pression. He  lost  his  all.  He  however  recruited  in  some  de- 
gree ;  and  was  engaged  to  be  married  to  an  amiable  and  pious 
young  lady.  He  took  a  short  voyage,  and  on  his  return  found 
that  she  had  died  of  a  fever.  His  spirits  never  recovered  that 
shock.  He  was  afterwards  appointed  commander  of  a  vessel 
to  England.  The  day  before  she  sailed,  he  fell  out  of  a  gig, 
was  confined  to  bed,  and  lost  the  opportunity.  Twice  after- 
wards he  was  similarly  disappointed.  At  length  he  sailed  in 
a  ship  bound  for  the  Mauritius,  from  whence  he  intended  to 
have  proceeded  to  England. 

"  Previously  to  this  last  voyage  he  had  an  attack  of  fever, 
and  went  through  a  severe  course  of  medicine.  At  the  be- 
ginning of  the  voyage,  meeting  with  a  heavy  gale,  he  had 
much  laborious  service.  In  the  course  of  a  very  short  time 
he  became  ill,  was  not  unfrequently  delirious,  but  still  did  not 
excite  ideas  of  immediate  danger.  One  night  he  went  to 
bed  at  twelve  o'clock,  and  the  next  morning  at  six,  to  the 
grief  and  surprise  of  all  on  board,  was  found  dead  in  his  cabin. 
The  ship  prpceeded  to  the  Mauritius  ;  and  it  was  not  until  her 
return  to  Calcutta  that  our  excellent  and  kind  friend,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Thomason  received  the  news,  and  his  packages, 
papers,  &lc.  He  left  out  of  the  scanty  store  preserved  from 
the  wreck  of  the  Oracabessa,  one  hundred  rupees  to  general 
charitable  purposes  ;  fifty  to  the  Bible  Society;  fifty  to  the 
Church  Missionary  Society  ;  fifty  to  the  Society  for  promoting 
27* 


314 


MEM^IKS  OF  THE 


Christian  Knowledge  ;  and  fifty  to  the  Religious  Tract  So- 
ciety. A  rupee  is  about  two  shillings  and  six  pence.  His 
affections  for  his  relatives  were  very  strong.  His  principles 
of  honorable  conduct,  integrity,  pecuniary  accuracy,  official 
diligence,  kind  manners,  and  moral  deportment  were  exem- 
plary.  He  lived  in  much  esteem,  and  died  much  beloved. 
Dear  boy !  He  was  snatched  from  our  embraces  at  the  hour 
of  his  returning  to  them.  He  is^buried  in  the  depths  of  the 
ocean.  But  the  sea  shall  give  up  her  dead,  and  I  trust  he 
will  then  appear  a  living  soul." 

We  suspend  for  a  moment  the  course  of  this  narrative  to 
indulge  in  a  few  brief  reflection^.    We  have  now  seen  Mr. 
Richmond  exercised  by  severe  and  successive  afflictions,  com- 
mencing  about  the  year  1814,  and  continuing,  with  only  occa- 
sional intervals,  to  the  close  of  life  itself.    The  coincidence 
of  these  trials  with  his  signal  usefulness,  is  worthy  of  obser- 
vation.   We  notice  this  fact,  because  it  seems  to  us  to  illus- 
trate the  dealings  of  God's  providence  in  the  government  of 
his  church  and  people.  True  Christians  are  seldom  long  ex- 
empted from  a  state  of  trial  ;  and  the  history  of  the  church  of 
Christ  abounds  with  evidences  in  conformation  of  this  remark. 
Th6  year  1814  was  the  period  of  Mr.  Richmond's  great  popu- 
larity and  extensive  usefulness,  which  succeeding  years  rath- 
er increased  than  diminished.  It  was  also  the  period  of  painful 
domestic  anxiety,  as  it  regarded  his  eldest  son,  Nugent,  and 
the  dangerous  illness  of  a  beloved  wife.  After  the  interval  of 
a  few  years  he  is  again  exercised  by  the  intelligence  of  his 
eldest  son's  supposed  loss  and  shipwreck.  A  short  time  elap- 
ses, when  his  second  son,  Wiiberforce,  a  boy  distinguished 
by  early  grace  and  talents,  to  whom  he  fondly  looked  with  the 
most  anxious  expectation,  declines  in  health  and  sinks  into 
the  grave.    Scarcely  had  a  few  short  months  expired,  when 
the  rumor  of  his  eldest  son's  death  reaches  him,  a  rumor  soon 
confirmed  by  the  event.  And  yet  in  each  case  mercy  rejoices 
over  judgment,  and  death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  What 
then  is  the  moral  lesson  conveyed  by  these  dispensations  ?  ^^  e 
learn  that  trial  is  usually  allotted  to  extensive  usefulness  ;  be- 
cause such  is  the  infirmity  of  our  nature,  that  tor  the  most 
oart  success  is  not  good  for  man  ;  and  therefore,  to  restrain 
the  exuberances  of  pride,  and  of  self-complacency,  and  to  pro- 
mote the  growth  of  inward  holiness,  God  in  his  wisdom  sees 
fit  to  send  the  necessary  corrective,  that  no  flesh  may  glory  in 
his  sight ;  that  the  instrument  may  be  kept  lowly  and  humble, 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


315 


and  its  graces  be  preserved  and  augmented. — "  Every  branch 
that  heareth  fruit  he  purgeih  it,  thai  it  may  bring  forth  more 
fniit.^^  John  xv.  2. 

Providence  also  sometimes  sees  fit  to  select  those  whom 
he  has  distinguished  by  his  favors,  lo  be  the  instruments 
in  whom  he  loves  to  show  forth  his  own  divine  attributes,  by 
the  character  of  the  dispensations  with  which  he  exercises 
their  faith  and  graces.  Thus  in  the  Old  Testament,  as  well  as 
in  the  New,  the  most  eminent  saints,  and  followers  of  Christ, 
were  visited  by  the  most  eminent  trials.  They  were  set  apart, 
as  it  were,  to  be  a  spectacle  to  men  and  to  angels."  It  is  by 
dispensations  like  these  that  we  obtain  a  deeper  insight  into 
the  divine  dealings  ;  and  that  the  church  of  Christ  is  taught, 
by  the  eminency  of  the  example,  to  adore  the  power,  the  wis- 
dom, and  glory  of  God. 

How  justly  may  we  apply  to  Mr.  Richmond,  on  this  occa^ 
sion,  the  following  impressive  remarks  of  Lord  Bacon  ;  "  O 
Lord,  my  strength,  I  have  since  my  youth  met  with  thee  in  all 
my  ways,  by  thy  fatherly  ccompassions,  by  thy  comfortable 
chastisements,  and  by  thy  most  visible  providence.  As  thy 
favors  have  increased  upon  me,  so  have  thy  corrections  ;  so 
as  thou  hast  been  alwa5'S  near  me,  O  Lord  ;  and  ever  as  my 
worldly  blessings  were  exalted,  so  secret  darts  from  thee  have 
pierced  me  ;  and  when  I  have  ascended  before  men,  1  have 
descend  in  humiliation  before  thee.  And  now,  when  I  thought 
most  of  peace  and  honor,  thy  hand  is  heavy  upon  me,  and 
hath  humbled  me,  according  to  thy  former  loving-kindness, 
keeping  me  still  in  thy  fatherly  school,  not  as  a  bastard,  but  as 
a  child.  Just  are  thy  judgments  upon  me  for  my  sins,  which 
are  more  in  number  than  the  sands  of  the  sea,  but  have  no 
proportion  to  thy  mercies  ;  for  what  are  the  sands  of  the  sea, 
earth,  heavens  ;  all  these  are  nothing  to  thy  mercies.  Be 
merciful  unto  me,  O  Lord,  for  my  Saviour's  sake,  and  receive 
me  into  thy  bosom,  or  guide  me  in  thy  ways."* 

We  now  resume  our  subject,  and  insert  a  letter  to  his  friend, 
the  Rev.  H.  L  Maddock.'t 

*See  Bacon's  Works,  vol.  vii,  p.  4.  edited  by  Basil  Montague,  1827. 

t  The  name  of  this  excellent  man  is  mentioned  in  the  journal  of  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's tour  in  the  jear  1814.  He  \vas  prematurely  snaiched  from  a  life  of 
usefulness  and  zeal,  beloved  and  lamented.  His  end  was  approaching  at  the 
time  the  above  letter  was  addressed  to  him.  Mr.  Richmond  did  hot  long  surj 
vive  him. 


316 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


"  Tunsey,  December  3, 1825. 

"  My  beloved  Friend  and  esteemed  Brother,  Such  you  shall 
be  called,  for  such  you  are  and  long  have  been  to  me.  1  am 
told  how  ill  you  are,  and  that  you  are,  as  it  were,  vibrating 
between  two  worlds.  The  outward  man  is  fast  decaying,  but 
not  so  the  inner  man.  Glory  to  God  alone  for  the  past,  pre- 
sent, and  future.  You  know  in  whom  you  have  trusted.  He 
cannot,  will  not  forsake  you.  My  heart  yearns  over  many 
pleasant  recollections  concerning  you.  The  visions  of  the 
past  revive.  O  may  they  unite  with  those  beyond  the  grave, 
and  may  sovereign  grace  sanctify  them  both  !  We  have  spent 
many  a  happy  hour  together,  cheerful  and  grave — we  have 
labored  together  in  public  and  in  private.  We  have,  I  think, 
loved  each  other  as  brothers  ;  and  when  little,  perhaps,  was 
written  or  spoken,  we  have  had  mutual  thoughts  of  peace,  and 
regard  for  our  god-children,  our  wives,  and  our  little  ones. 

"  1  had  pleased  myself  with  the  thought  of  visiting  you  for 
a  week  at  Matlock,  next  month  ;  but  I  fear  we  may  never 
meet  again.  But  shall  we  not  meet  hereafter  ?  Lord,  how 
long ! 

"  When  J  last  parted  from  you,  I  had  a  dear  boy  with  me 
— how  dear,  no  one  can  tell  !  You  are  hastening  to  the  man- 
sions  where  he  dwells.  It  is  not  permitted  me  to  send  a  mes- 
sage,  or  it  should  be  expressive  of  ten  thousand  emotions  of 
a  father's  heart.  Bui  Ch'ist  is  all !  And  I  have  lost  my 
eldest  boy — my  sailor  boy  !  But  God  has  found  him,  and  all 
is  well  there  also.  Forgive  my  ramblings.  Give  me  a  book, 
some  little  book— one  that  contains  your  name,  written  in  it 
with  your  own  hand.  It  shall  be  a  cherished  memorial — 
pignus  amicii  'mjucundissimce,. 

"  My  regard  for  you,  my  brother,  has  not  been  of  a  com- 
mon  character.  I  fear  you  are  not  strong  enough  to  give  me 
a  few  lines  ;  but  perhaps  your  venerable  and  respected  father 
will  do  so.  I  this  day  saw  your  very  dear  friend,  Mr.  Allen. 
The  sight  of  him  did  me  good,  although  he  told  me  how  ill 
you  were,  beyond  what  I  was  aware  of. 

"  And  now,  my  beloved  friend,  I  commend  you  to  the  tri- 
une Jehovah — Father,  Son,  and  Spirit — to  united  power,  wis- 
dom,  and  love  ;  to  the  consolations  of  promise,  and  the  con- 
summations of  Omnipotence.  Faithful  is  he  that  hath  pro- 
mised ;  and  he  will  perfect  the  thing  that  concerneth  you. 
What  a  stronghold  is  this  !  While  you  can  and  may,  cherish 
a  tender  and  prayerful  feeling  for  your  friend.  Fanny  shares 
in  all  these  fellings !  she  can  never  speak  of  you  but  with 
Christian  affection. 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOJfD. 


317 


"  I  desire  to  be  most  kindly  remembered  to  all  that  belong 
to  you.  May  the  God,  whose  consolations  are  neither  few  nor 
small,  overshadow  you  with  his  wing  !"  L.  R." 

The  next  letter  is  addressed  to  one  of  his  youngest  daugh- 
ters, then  at  school  > — 

"  Turvey,  December  5, 1825. 

My  dear  Child, — I  am  much  pleased  with  your  letter,  the 
more  so  as  it  contains  some  expressions  which  cherish  the 
hope,  nearest  to  my  heart,  as  to  your  spiritual  thoughts  and 
feelings.  Whilst  1  cannot  but  feel  most  tenderly  affected  by 
the  loss  of  my  two  elder  sons,  endeared  to  me  by  a  thousand 
recollections,  and  emotions,  1  become  the  more  anxious  for 
the  welfare  of  all  my  children,  whom  God  yet  spares  to  me. 
I  have,  for  a  year  and  a  half  past,  and  especially  dunng  the  last 
year,  undergone  a  great  change  in  my  spirits,  and  my  whole 
system  has  suffered  ;  but  in  the  midst  of  all,  the  inexpressible 
goodness  of  God  has  been  manifested,  and  I  trust  that  my 
trials  have  been  blessed  to  not  a  few.  Many  a  rose  has 
sprung  up  around  the  grave  of  dear  Wilberforce,  and  they 
still  blossom,  and  I  trust- will  do  so,  until  they  sh-all  be  trans- 
ferred from  the  spiritual  garden  of  Turvcy  to  the  glorious  Par- 
adise of  God.  Our  young  friend  C — : — manifests,  in  his  nu- 
raerous  letters,  a  most  decidedly  spiritual  mind.  He  writes 
upon  the  subject  of  experimental  and  practical  rehgion  in  a 
truly  delightful  and  satisfactory  manner.  And  can  I  feel 
«  otherwise  than  anxious  that  my  dear  Catharine  should  add  a 
flower  to  my  parochial  and  domestic  shrubbery  ?  Are  you  to 
arrive  at  your  sixteenth  year  so  soon,  and  not  internally,  as 
well  as  externally,  prove  that  the  grace  of  Christ  has  not  been 
preached  to  you  in  vain?  I  trust  not.  Religion  is  not  a  mat- 
ter of  mere  ceremonials,  nor  even  morals,  but  the  spiritual 
application  of  divine  truth  to  the  heart,  producing  those  devout 
and  moral  principles  of  action,  which  distinguish  the  true 
Christian  from  all  others.  But  where,  how,  and  when,  does 
this  begin  ?  Not  until  you  have  deep,  humbling,  sincere,  and 
I  anxious  thoughts  about  sin,  and  yourself  as  a  sinner  in  the 
I  sight  of  God. — Not  until  this  conviction,  by  a  kind  of  holy 
violence  compels  you  to  flee  to  Christ  as  the  only  refuge  from 
the  wrath  to  come. — Not  until  prayer  becomes  an  action  of 
the  inmost  soul,  and  the  study  of  God's  word  a  real  delight. 
— Not  until  every  other  consideration  j  ields  to  that  infinitely 
important  inquiry, '  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved?' — Not  until 


318 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


the  light,  trifling,  and  thoughtless  mind  of  the  child  of  man 
be  converted,  through  grace,  to  the  serious,  conscientious,  and 
believing  state  of  the  real  child  of  God.  Now,  has  this  been, 
and  is  this  the  case  with  you  1  I  speak  as  a  Christian,  a  fa- 
ther,  a  minister.  What  are  your  views  of  these  all-impor- 
tant subjects  ?— I  wish  my  child  to  be  deeply  in  earnest.  Life 
flies  apace — the  period  of  the  tomb  advances.  I  have  four 
children  there  already.  It  is  true  I  have  eight  still  on  earth 
— but  how  long  will  there  be  eight  here  ?  Who  may  be  the 
next  to  enter  upon  eternity?  Think  upon  these  things  with  de- 
vout affection.  You  tremble  a  little  even  at  the  thought  of 
a  school  examination  ;  but  what  is  that,  compared  with  the 
examination  of  an  immortal  soul  before  the  judgment  seat  of 
God  ?  Go,  then,  as  a  sinner  to  Christ ;  he  sends  none  empty 
away.  In  him,  and  him  alone,  there  is  a  rich  provision  for 
every  coming  sinner.  But  let  this  coming  be  a  surrender  of 
all  you  are,  and  all  you  have,  to  the  Lord  of  grace  and  glory. 

Be  contented  with  nothing  short  of  a  reality  in  religion." 

***** 

"  To  Miss  C.  Richmondy 

We  have  few  materials  of  public  interest  during  the  year 
1826.  Mr.  Richmond  declined  in  health,  and  was  indisposed 
for  much  exertion  beyond  the  confines  of  his  parish.  We  may, 
however,  fill  up  the  chasm  with  his  opinions  on  a  few  subjects 
connected  with  the  cause  of  true  religion,  but  which  we  could 
not  notice  at  an  earlier  period  without  interrupting  the  narra- 
tive,  and  departing  from  the  order  we  had  prescribed  to  our- 
selves. 

We  advert  with  extreme  reluctance,  and  v.ith  the  most 
painful  recollections,  to  the  apocryphal  controversy,  which 
unhappily  for  a  long  time  divided  and  distracted  the  Christian 
world.  Mr.  Richmond,  with  many  other  conscientious  and 
excellent  men,  at  first  approved  the  judgment  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Bible  Society,  in  allowing  the  circulation  of  the 
foreign  editions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  considered  the 
fundamental  law  of  the  society,  "without  note  or  comment," 
was  not  designed  to  exclude  the  authorised  versions  of  the 
Continent.  He  knew  that  the  apocryphal  books,  though  at- 
tached  to  the  canonical  Scriptures,  had  fallen  into  contempt 
in  our  own  country  ;  and  he  was  disposed  to  believe  that  in- 
creased light  and  information,  by  the  circulation  of  the  word 
of  God  in  any  form,  would  eventually  illumine  the  darkness  of 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


319 


men's  minds,  and  enable  them  to  distinguish  between  truth 
and  error. 

We  abstain  from  entering  on  any  unnecessary  discussion 
of  this  question.  We  confine  our  remarks  to  recording  the 
ultimate  sentiments  of  the  subject  of  this  Memoir. 

In  the  progress  of  this  unhappy  dispute,  Mr.  Richmond 
saw  reason  to  change  his  opinion  ;  and  though  the  meekness 
and  humility  of  his  spirit  would  not  allow  him  to  bocome  a 
violent  partisan,  he  joined  in  the  remonstrances  which  were 
made  to  the  parent  committee,  by  the  greater  part  of  their 
auxiliary  societies.  On  this  account  he  has  been  accused  of 
vacillation  ;  but  in  our  judgment,  the  manliness  which  avows 
an  error,  is  much  more  commendable  than  the  pertinacity 
which  defends  and  persists  in  it. 

We  are  far  from  designing  to  censnre  our  brethren  on  either 
side,  or  of  either  country,  much  less  to  connect  the  memory  of 
our  friend  with  a  controversy  which  has  no  parallel  in  the 
history  of  modern  polemics.  He  deeply  lamented  the  separa- 
tion of  the  two  great  Christian  communities  :  *'  the  most 
calamitous  event,"  he  used  to  say,  "  which  has  befallen  the 
church  of  God  for  the  last  century  ;  and  1  fear  that  feelings 
have  been  excited  between  the  nations,  wjiich  it  will  take 
more  than  a  century  to  allay."  Let  us  indulge  a  hope,  that 
in  this  sad  foreboding  he  was  mistaken.  There  is  an  Almighty 
power  which  can  restrain  the  wrath  of  man  ;  and  we  hope  the 
readers  of  this  Memoir  will  pardon  our  earnest  entreaty,  that, 
considering  this  question  to  be  now  set  at  rest,  by  the  pledge 
so  formally  given  for  the  future  exclusion  of  the  Apocrypha, 
they  would  henceforth  implore  the  Father  of  mercies  to  infuse 
the  dove-like  spirit  of  peace  and  love  into  the  minds  of  men  ; 
that  they  may  put  far  av/ay  "  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and 
anger,  and  evil  speaking,  with  all  malice  ;  and  speak  the 
truth  in  love  ;  being  kind  one  to  another,  in  honor  preferring 
each  other,  esteeming  others  better  than  themselves,  being 
pitiful,  kind,  and  tender-hearted  ;  forgiving  one  another,  even 
as  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  has  forgiven  them." 

The  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the  Jews 
furnishes  another  subject  for  remark.  A  discussion  had  aris- 
en  in  some  of  the  periodicals,  as  to  the  most  efficient  mode  of 
preaching  to  the  Jews  ;  whether  t^  doctrine  of  the  second 
coming  of  Messiah  in  his  kingdom  find  glory,  and  the  future 
exaltation,  and  national  greatness  of  Israel,  ought  not  to  con- 
stitute  an  indispensable  and  prominent  feature  in  the  mode  of 
addressing  that  people. 


320 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


In  conversing  with  Mr.  Richmond  on  this  topic,  the  writer 
one  day  submitted  to  him  the  following  question; — 

"  What  is  the  scriptural  and  right  way  to  preach  to  the 
Jews?" 

I  know  of  no  scriptural  way,"  he  replied,  "  of  preaching 
to  men,  otherwise  than  us  sinners  ;  and  why  the  Jews,  whose 
sins  are  of  so  aggravated  a  nature,  should  be  dealt  with  in  a 
different  way,  1  do  not  see.  I  would  address  the  Jew  as  I 
would  address  any  other  man, — that  is,  as  a  sinner  :  and  till 
he  is  convinced  of  his  sin,  he  will  never  believe  in  a  Saviour. 
*  Christ  crucified,'  is  declared  to  be  *  to  the  Greeks  foolish- 
ness,  and  to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block ;  but  to  them  that 
believe,  the  power  of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God.'  No  man 
will  ever  feel  the  power  of  God,  whether  he  be  a  Jew  or 
Gentile,  till  he  learns  it  at  the  foot  of  the  cross." 

When  speaking  of  the  strong  prejudices  that  existed  among 
many  in  our  own  church  against  several  of  the  public  institu- 
tions, as  contrasted  with  the  expression  of  popular  feeling  in 
their  support,  he  observied — "  I  am  fully  convinced  that  noth- 
ing  is  more  likely  to  weaken  the  attachment  of  serious  and 
reflecting  minds  to  the  Church  of  England,  than  this  standing 
aloof  from  public  feeling,  as  if  we  had  some  distinct  interest, 
and  were  insulated  from  that  of  the  great  mass  of  the  com- 
munity." He  added,  "  In  a  period  peculiarly  marked  by  en- 
larged ideas,  and  extended  efforts  for  the  cause  of  God,  not  to 
participate  in  these  views,  nor  to  grow  with  the  growth  of 
the  times  in  which  we  live,  renders  us  liable  to  the  charge  of 
being  unfit  for  the  age  to  which  we  belong,  as  if  we  were  men 
'  born  out  of  due  time.'  Some  persons,"  he  said,  "  think  they 
are  building  up  the  church  by  encouraging  a  spirit  of  hostility 
to  these  great  causes  ;  my  own  opinion  is,  that  they  are  over- 
turning it ;  and  that  no  position  can  be  more  dangerous  to  a 
church,  than  that  which  exhibits  it  in  avowed  opposition  to 
the  prevailing  character  and  sentiments  of  the  community  in 
which  it  is  placed." 

"  Alluding  to  some  modern  religious  controveries,  I  ask- 
ed, "  if  he  did  not  think  that  many  readers  became  thereby 
more  confirmed  in  their  prejudices  ?" 

"  All  are  so,"  he  replied,  "  who  read  only  one  side  of  the 
question,  which  is  generally  the  case  with  the  majority  of 
readers,  and  especially  oT  prejudiced  readers.    They  say  to 

each  other,  '  have  you  read  the  book  of   ?  It  is  a  most 

able  and  triumphant  work.'  In  the  meantime,  they  never 
read  what  is  said  in  reply  to  it ;  they  consequently  view  the 


REV.  LEGH  EICHMOXD. 


321 


subject  through  a  partial  and  distorted  medium.  But  what 
should  we  say  of  a  judge  who  examined  no  witnesses  except 
those  who  were  on  the  same  side  ?  We  should  have  no  hesita- 
tion in  declaring  that  he  perverted  the  administration  of  jus- 
tice,  and  was  unfit  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his  office  ;  and  yet 
precisely  the  same  thing  is  practised  every  day  in  theological 
controversies.  The  great  bane  of  our  church,"  he  observed, 
*'is  prejudice:  many  believe  without  evidence,  and  decide 
without  inquiry.  Still,  the  spirit  of  improvement  is  percep- 
tible, and  religion  considerably  on  the  increase." 

I  asked  him,  "  how  we  were  to  reconcile  the  increase  of  re- 
ligion with  the  acknowledged  growth  of  crime,  as  evinced  in 
our  courts  of  justice  ?"  He  answered,  '*  Both  are  true.  Bad 
men  are  becoming  worse,  and  good  men  better.  The  first 
are  ripening  for  judgment,  the  latter  for  glory.  The  increase 
of  wickedness  is,  in  this  respect,  a  proof  of  the  increase 
of  religion.  'The  devil  is  wroth,  knowing  that  his  time  is 
short.' " 

The  reader  will  here  probably  wish  to  know  what  were  his 
views  of  the  Millennium;  and  how  far  he  concurred  in  some 
modern  interpretations  of  prophecy.  On  this  subject  he  had 
not  come  to  any  decided  conclusion  :  he  was  merely  accus- 
tomed to  observe,  that  in  the  first  four  centuries  such  a  belief 
was  known  to  have  prevailed.  He  was  generally  of  opinion, 
that  the  time  of  great  judgments  was  at  hand  ;  and  that  all 
human  institutions,  both  governments  and  churches,  would 
^  have  to  undergo  some  great  puritX-ing  process  ; — that  what 
was  wrong  in  either  must  be  rectified  ;  that  much,  probably, 
would  be  accomplished,  in  the  way  of  improvement,  by  the 
advancing  spirit  of  the  age  ;  and  that  when  this  spirit  was 
resisted,  a  series  of  divine  judgments  (or  God's  controversy 
with  the  nations,)  would  level  all  abuses  in  the  dust ;  when  a 
a  new  and  better  order  of  things  would  arise,  and  Christianity 
become  a  dispensation  of  universal  holiness  and  peace. 

Some  other  remarks  deserve  to  be  recorded. 

"  What  is  the  mode  of  proceeding,"  1  said  to  him,  which 
is  most  likely  to  subserve  the  interests  of  our  own  church  ?" 

"That,"  he  replied,  "which  is  least  calculated  to  lead 
persons  to  secede  from  it." 

"  And  what  will  best  answer  that  description?" 

"  Preaching  the  Gospel." 

Speaking  on  the  subject  of  Sermons,  "  some  preachers,"  he 
observed,  "  are  defective  in  one  most  essential  part  of  a  dis- 
course. They  insist  with  much  earnestness  on  the  necessity 
28 


222 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  holiness,  of  abstaining  from  sin,  of  loving  God,  &c.  ike. ; 
but  they  never  tell  their  people  hoiu  all  this  is  to  be  done. 
They  leave  out  the  characteristic  features  of  the  Gospel. 
They  build,  without  jSnst  laying  the  foundation.  The  doctrine 
of  the  atonetucnt,  and  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spiririt,  are 
not  clearly  and  proxninciitly  stated.  They  do  not  unfold  the 
grand  scheme  of  redemption  in  its  sufficiency  and  fulness  ;  its 
length,  and  breadth,  and  height,  and  depth.  What  is  the  con- 
sequence ?  The  people  derive  no  benefit  from  this  kind  of 
preaching  ;  and  then  ministers  wonder  that  their  parishes  are 
entered  by  Methodists  and  Dissenters!"  "How  are  they  to 
be  led,"  I  asked,  "  to  see  their  error?"  "It  is  the  Spirit  of 
God  alone,"  he  said,  "  that  can  reveal  the  truth  to  us,  when 
we  arc  in  error;  but  surely  they  should  suspect  that  all  is  not 
right,  when  they  thus  find  their  flock  deserting  them  ;  and  that 
a  doctrine  cannot  be  sound,  which  empties  the  Church,  and 
fills  the  meeting-house.  A  minister,,  under  these  circum- 
stances, if  he  be  sincere  and  truly  conscientious,  will  be  sen- 
sible that  he  cannot  be  in  error,  without  involving  others  in 
its  fatal  consequences ;  and  this  conviction  will  lead  him  to 
explore  the  higher  and  more  authentic  sources  of  information, 
the  works  of  Cranmer,  Latimer,  Jewell,  Hooker,  and  others, 
and  to  become  more  fully  acquainted  with  the  Articles  and 
Homilies  of  his  own  Church.  To  these  he  will  not  fail  to  add 
the  unceasing  and  earnest  perusal  of  his  Bible,  accompanied 
by  fervent  prayer  that  a  merciful  and  gracious  God  will  guide 
him  to  correct  and  just  views  of  divine  truth,  and  open  his 
mind  and  heart  to  xeceiwe  them.  And  no  one,"  he  continued, 
"  can  be  often  on  his  bended  knees,  imploring  the  wisdom 
from  aboVe^;  without  being  ultimately  taught  of  God.  He  has 
(iislinctlv  pro^nised  to  "  give  his  Holv  Spirit  to  them  that  ask 
Him."  ' 

In  the  summer  of  1826,  Mr.  Richmond  attended  the  Nor- 
wich anniversaries;  which  were  the  last  of  his  public  labors  ; 
and  to  which  a  brief  allusion  is  inade  in  the  following  letter 
tp  his  son. 

^'  Yaxham,  August  15,  1826. 

My  ever  ^ear  H  ,  — Th-e  Jews'  meeting  was  the 

largest  and  most  interesting  of  all  the  three;  a«d  the  acces- 
sion of  regard  and  approbation  from  a  great  many  who  had 
hitherto  been  less  favorably  disposed,  was  a  gratifying  event. 
I  h9,d  on  Saturday  a  most  affecting  sight  of  near  eight  hun- 
4red  girls,  and  one  hundred  ladies  to  address.    It  crowned 


REV.    LEGH  RICH3IG^*D. 


323 


the  whole.  Yesterday  I  preached  at  Welbouriiand  Yexham. 
To  day  we  all  dine  at  Mr.  T.'s,  to  meet  Miss  C.  G.,  and 
thus  will  end  the  delightful  fellowship  fronn  and  at  Earlham,'^- 
for  such  indeed  it  has  been  to  us  all.  Amongst  the  numerous 
parties  which  I  have  met  with,  on  such  occasions,  never  have 
I  witnessed  such  a  scene  !" 

As  the  son,  to  whom  the  above  letter  is  addressed,  was 
shortly  about  to  enter  at  the  University,  with  a  view  to  the 
ministry,  we  avail  ourselves  of  this  mention  of  his  name,  to 
exhibit  the  paternal  solicitude  of  3Ir.  Richmond,  with  refer- 
ence to  that  occasion. 

"  Cromer,  iie-ptemher  I,  182o, 

My  very  dear  Son, — The  time  for  your  destination  is  not 
far  oif,  and  the  word  of  counsel  becomes  the  more  appropriate' 
and  needful.  From  tbe  day' wherein  you  first  communicated 
to  me  your  thoughts  and  wishes  about  entering  into  the  sacred 
j  ministry,  my  eye,  my  heart,  my  head,  m}'  conscience,  my  ten- 
!  derest  affections  have  been  steadily  fixed  upon  you,  and 
your  future  prospects.  Until  that  period,  and  while  yotir  dear 
brother's  health  permitted  the  hope  of  his  becoming  a  min- 
ister,  I  had  other  thoughts  and  plans  for  you.  Indeed  I  was 
not,  until  then,  aware  that  your  mind  had  received  that  ira- 
pression,  which  now  forms  my  most  anxious  hope  and  desire 
concerning  you.  For  while  I  never  v.  ould  or  could  give  en. 
couragement  to  prospects  of  the  ministry,  unless  I  thought  I 
discovered  decided  leadings  and  leanings  of  mind  towards  it, 
so  I  can  truly  say  that  my  first  wish  for  each  of  my  sons  in  sue. 
cession  has  been,  from  their  cradles,  that  God  might  fit  them 
for  that  arduous,  responsible,,  and  eminent  station,  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  in  deed,  and  ^  truth.  The  coinci. 
dence  of  your  making  your  wish  known  to  me  at  the  very  pe^ 
riod  when  the  lamp  of  life  and  hope  began  to  fade,  as  it  con- 
cerned your  brother,  and  his  subsequent  decease,  struck  me 
as  indicative  of  God's  will  respecting  you.  From  that  time  I 
have  encouraged  the  prospect,  and  neglected  nothing  inten- 
!  tionally  which  might  f^jrther  your  education  for  that  sacred  of- 
fice ;  ever  at  the  same  time  watching  erttentively  your  gen- 
eral  disposition  towards  Christian  experience,  knowledge,  and 
conduct.  For  a  man  must  first  be  a  true  Christian  before  he 
can  be  a  true  minister.  It  v/as  with  this  view  that  I  requested 
Mr.  A.  to  give  you  a  weekly  religious  exercise.  From  the  day 

*  The  residence  of  John  Josepli  Guroey,  Esq.,  the  well  known  scat  of  hos- 
pitality, to  all  wiio  are  engaged  m  promoting  the  cau^e  of  divine  truth. 


324 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


that  a  youth,  on  Christian  principles,  is  devoted  to  the  minis- 
try, he  ought  to  become  a  divinity  student,  and  all  his  studies 
should  bend  to  the  one  grand  object.  However  valuable  in 
their  proper  place  and  connexion,  yet  independently  of  that 
connexion,  classical,  mathematical,  philosophical,  moral,  logi- 
cal, and  belles-lettres,  and  literature,  all  sink  to  nothing,  and 
only  wean  the  mind  from  God  and"  Christ.  When  the  heart  is 
right  in  divine  matters,  then  all  other  things  will  become  so 
likewise.  The  next  thing  to  be  considered  in  your  case,  was 
the  usual  connexion  between  the  clerical  office  and  a  univer- 
sity residence  and  degree.  This  has  presented  a  twofold  dif- 
ficulty to  my  consideration.  The  first  is  the  doubt  and  fear, 
lest  the  atmosphere  of  a  college  life,  so  unpropitious,  alike  in 
its  gay  and  its  literary  habits,  to  the  formation  and  growth  of 
Christian  piety,  might  endanger  the  simplicty  and  stability  of 
your  Christian  character.  This  is,  however,  in  a  measure 
overruled  by  the  hope  connected  with  the  influence  of  good 

Mr.  S  's  ministry,  and  the  number  of  serious  young  men, 

from  amongst  whom,  and  amongst  whom  alone,  I  trust  a  few 
confidential  and  profitable  inmates  would  be  chosen.  No- 
thing would  induce  me  to  send  you  to  college,  if  I  did  not  rely 
on  your  maintaining,  both  outwardly  and  inwardly,  a  decided, 
ly  Christian  walk  and  profession,  regardless  alike  of  the 
sneers  of  the  scoffer,  and  the  dissipating  influence  of  undecided 
(however  agreeable)  companions.  It  should  be  observed  that 
my  name  stands  in  a  peculiar  and  somewhat  conspicuous  point 
of  view ;  and  my  son's  name  would  be  in  several  ways  con- 
nected with  the  publicity  of  his  father's  character.  On  these 
subjects  I  should  endeavor  to  give  you  hereafter  more  detailed 
?idvice,  if  you  were  to  become  a  collegian.  In  that  case  I  must 
commit  you  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  pray  for  you  night  and 
day  to  be  preserved  b'kimeless  and  pure.    The  second  diffi- 

culty  connected  with  a  college  education  has  been  its  expense. 

*  *  *  *  *  • 

"  Remember  that  your  religious  attainments  are  my  first 
object,  your  literary  my  second.  May  both  go  safely  hand 
in  hand  together. 

*  %  *  :}£  :jc 

"  And  now,  take  my  blessing.  You  are  three  sons  in  one 
to  me.  Accept  a  triple  blessing,  and  may  the  great  Three 
in  One  confirm  it.  Your  welfare  lies  very  close  to  my  heart 
— your  prospects  in  the  ministry,  if  your  life  be  spared,  affect 
me  greatly.  I  would  far  sooner  hear  you  preach  a  gospel  ser- 
mon  from  your  heart,  and  visit  the  bead. side  of  a  sick  par- 


REV.    LEGH  RICHMOND. 


325 


ishioner,  with  the  language  of  experimental  consolaiion,  than 
see  you  senior  wrangler  and  medallist,  with  a  cold  heart  and 
unconverted  soul.  Think  not  that  I  undervalue  useful  or  or- 
namental literature  :  for  although  I  regret  the  monopoly  of 
time  and  labor,  which  an  artificial  and  very  partial  sort  of  lit- 
erary acquirements  occasion,  in  our  collegiate  courses;  and 
while  I  still  more  regret  the  neHect  of  a  theoloofical  and  re- 
ligious  education,  as  so  prominent  a  blot  in  our  university 
plans  ;  yet  I  wish  every  clergyman  to  be  a  well-informed 
man,  having  a  mind  stored  with  useful  literature,  every  par- 
ticle-of  which  should  be  consecrated  to  the  study  of  the  Bible 
and  the  souls  of  men.  It  is  a  great  comfort  that,  notwithstand- 
ing the  paralyzing  influence  of  sensuality  and  idleness  on  the 
one  hand,  and  of  mere  human  learning  and  books  on  the  other, 
God  has  a  chosen  people  in  the  university,  who  are  -^valking 
in  the  narrow  way  that  leads  to  eternal  life.  If  you  should 
go  to  college,  may  you  ever  be  found  with  such,  and  not  with 
those  who  bring  their  fathers'  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the 
grave  ;  for  such  would  soon  be  my  lot,  if  you,  my  loved  son, 
were  to  fall  away  from  the  earnest  hopes  which  I  have  formed 
concerning  you.  Be  much  in  prayer — constantly  study  your 
Bible.  Read  daily  some  experimental  and  devotional  books. 
Converse  occasionally  on  the  care  and  conduct  of  the  soul. 
Remember  the  poor  Christians,  and  when  you  can,  visit  and 
converse  with  them,  as  C.  does.  This  is  the  tru«  s<ihool  of 
divinity.  It  was  mine  before  you  :  may  it  be^  yoar^  after 
me." 

^  After  the  Norwich  Anniversaries,  Mr.  Richmond  proceeded 
to  Cromer,  a  bathing  place  in  Norfolk,  for  the  benefit  of  his 
health.  He  had  for  some  time  labored  under  an  affection  of 
the  lungs,  which  no  change  of  air  or  power  of  medicine  had 
hitherto  succeeded  in  removing  ;  though  he  experienced  a 
temporary  revival  of  strength  and  spirits  by  his  excursion, 
and  returned  home  M'ith  improved  health. 

But  the  scenes  of  his  former  afflictions  renewed  the  de- 
pression of  his  spirits.  Amidst  the  affectionate  welcomes  of 
his  family,  he  seemed  to  feel  yet  more  keenly  the  absence  of 
his  departed  son.  He  would  say,  No  time  nor  succession 
of  events  can  wean  my  affections  from  the  chancel  vault.'' 
Though  increased  tenderness  marked  his  intercourse  with  his 
remaining  children,  his  heart  still  wept  over  his  beloved  Wil- 
berforce.  There  was  a  visible  change  in  his  appearance,  and 
his  family  felt  cause  for  alarm.  He  said  little,  but  his  mind 
28* 


326 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


seemed  to  be  greatly  exercised.  He  sometimes  repaired  to 
the  grave  of  his  son  ;  remaining  long,  absorbed  in  his  own  re- 
flections. The  silence  and  solitude  of  this  hallowed  spot 
soothed  and  comforted  his  mind  :  "  the  waters  of  healing  is- 
sued from  the  sanctuary,"  and  he  probably  delighted  to  con- 
template the  blessedness  of  the  eternal  world,  in  such  imme- 
diate connexion  with  his  own  dear  child.  On  one  occasion, 
accompanied  by  his  daughter,  he  sat  nearly  an  hour  in  deep 
musing,  without  lifting  his  eyes  from  the  stone  that  cover- 
ed the  beloved  remains.  At  length  rising,  he  exclaimed — 
'*  Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ !" 

The  writer  of  this  Memoir  was  requested  by  his  family  to 
converse  with  him  on  the  subject  of  his  sorrows.  After  a  few 
expressions  of  cordial  sympathy,  "My  dear  friend,"  I  said, 
*'  you  are  indulging  a  grief  beyond  its  proper  bounds,  and 
consuming  all  your  strength  ;  you  will  unfit  yourself  both  for 
present  and  future  usefulness.  You  are  in  danger  of  forget- 
ting the  living,  by  a  mournful  recollection  of  the  dead.  God 
acts  as  a  sovereign,  he  claims  nothing  but  what  is  his  own. 
You  are  still  surrounded  by  many  mercies.  The  past  dispensa- 
tion has  been  peculiarly  blest  to  your  own  family.  You  have 
another  son,  who  will  occupy,  both  in  your  heart  and  in  the 
church  of  God,  the  place  that  is  now  made  void.  Your  parish 
loves  you  ;  the  cause  of  God  prospers  beyond  former  prece- 
dent ;  you  have  gained  more  than  you  have  lost,  and  your 
child  is  in  glory, — would  you  wish  to  call  him  back  again  ?" 

"  All  is  well,"  he  replied,  "  as  it  relates  to  these  things  ; 
but  there  are  times  when  we  are  led  deeply  to  consider,  not 
merely  the  trial  itself  under  which  we  labor,  but  how  far  it 
has  answered  its  appointed  end.  Whether  it  is  sanctified  to 
our  own  souls  ; — what  is  the  reality  of  our  own  hope  ; — the 
foundation  on  which  we  ourselves  stand  ; — the  evidence  of  a 
renewed  mind  ; — and  whether  we  can  appeal  to  the  great 
searcher  of  hearts,  that  all  is  right  within." 

"  But  you  have  this  hope,"  I  said,  "  why  then  does  it  not 
support  you  with  its  consolations  ?" 

God,"  he  answered  "  is  sifting  me  ;  he  is  weighing  me 
in  the  balance  of  the  sanctuary.  I  have  been  preaching  all 
my  life  to  others^ — how  far  am  I  myself  interested  in  these 
great  truths  ?  Yes,  God  is  searching  me,  and  proving  me, 
and  seeing  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me." 

"He  will  do  more,"  I  said,  '*than  this, — he  v/ill  lead  you 
in  the  way  everlasting." 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


327 


God  grant  it,"  he  replied ;  "  God  grant  I  may  have  as  as- 
sured a  hope  for  myselr",  as  I  have  for  my  beloved  child." 
The  tears  flowed  down  his  cheeks  during  these  few  re- 
II  -  marks,  and  his  whole  manner  evinced  the  inward  conflict  and 
I     agitation  of  his  mind. 

The  following  interesting  meditation,  which  was  written 
in  the  privacy  of  his  study,  to  which  he  \vas  confined  by  in- 
disposition, will  further  disclose  the  state  of  his  feelings  : — 

"  I  am  this  day  staying  at  home,  during  divine  service  in 
the  afternoon,  owing  to  a  cold, — Mr.  Ayre  being  here  to  as- 
sist me.  The  last  Sunday  afternoon  on  which  I  was  similarly 
detained,  was  in  December,  1824,  with  my  dear  Wilberforce  ; 
he  was  then  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  decease.  This  day 
twelvemonth  was  the  day  preceding  his  death. 

"  Dear  blessed  boy  !  in  the  midst  of  our  daily  domestic 
cheerfulness  of  spirits,  now  my  heart  moans  and  mourns  in 
tenderest  recollections  !  I  see  the  dear  child  in  all  his  debili- 
ties of  body  ;  1  hear  him  speak, — I  retrace  the  look  of  his  eye, 
— I  hang  upon  his  spiritual  language — his  affectionate  expres- 
sions,— his  devotedness  to  God, — his  faithful  admonitions, — 
his  languid  frame, — his  sweet  countenance,  his  willingness 
to  die. 

1  "I  lament  my  own  want  of  more  feeling  :  and  yet  I  feel 
-  much.  O  blessed  God  !  help  me  ;  strengthen  me  ;  save  me  ! 
'  Make  his  death  to  be  a  source  of  hfe  to  me,  through  the  death 
of  Christ, — sanctifying  his  memory  to  my  soul  !  I  want  to  see 
more  deep  and  solemn  seriousness  amongst  my  children  at 
this  time  :  and  yet  I  know  they  are  not  deficient  in  much  good 
feeling  on  this  subject.  Lord,  help,  bless,  and  save  them  also ! 

"  My  Nugent,  too,  is  since  gone  — or  rather,  I  have  since 
heard  it ;  for  he  died  some  months  before  his  brother,  little 
as  we  apprehended  it,  when  Wilberforce  was  so  beautifully 
speaking  about  him,  a  few  days  previous  to  his  own  death. 

"  Oh,  my  dear  boys  !  your  memorials  are  most  dear  to  my 
soul ! 

"  I  tremble  when  I  think  how  poorly  I  have  profited  by 
these  parental  warnings ;  yet  I  take  some  encouragement  from 
.the  feelings  which  1  am  conscious  I  retain.  Lord,  increase 
their  influence  !  In  the  midst  of  life  I  am  in  death.  Who  may 
be  taken  away  next  ?  I  sometimes  have  fearful  forebodings — 
I  look  around  my  beloved  little  circle,  and  sigh.  I  check  these 
feelings  again,  and  am  ashamed  of  my  weakness.  Lord! 
make  Christ  to  be  every  thing  to  me — and  then  all  will,  all 


328 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


must  be  well.  Oh  !  keep  my  Fanny  in  a  serious  frame.  Let 
her  not  forget  her  past  impressions  !  Bless  my  Henry,  and 
preserve  him  in  a  steady  mind,  untainted  by  levities  !  Cherish 
my  poor  Legh,  and  let  not  my  good  hopes  concerning  him  be 
blighted.!  Bless  the  little  ones,  and  make  them  thine  own  for 
ever ! 

'*  Pardon  my  we.akness,  O  God  !  and  bless  this  whole  medi- 
tation  to  my  soul !  L.  R." 

"  Turvey,  Sunday.  Jan.  15th,  1827." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Closing  scene— Funeral — Remarks  on  his  Character,  &c. 

We  are  now  drawing  to  the  cfose  of  the  life  and  ministry  of 
this  excellent  man,  whose  labors  were  singularly  attended 
with  the  blessing  of  God  to  the  end.  The  last  two  Sundays 
on  which  he  preached  were  in  the  beginning  of  March,  1827. 
On  the  former  of  these  occasions,  a  person  attended  the 
chruchj'who,  having  taken  some  offence,  had  secretly  made  a 
rash  resolve  never  to  enter  it.  He  was  both  thoughtless  and 
dissolute,  and  a  bitter  persecutor  of  religion  in  those  who 
professed  it ;  but  on  this  day  was  constrained,  by  circum- 
stances  that  need  not  be  mentioned,  to  alter  his  determination. 
The  text  of  the  sermon  was  taken  from  Ps'alm  li.  10,  "  Create 
in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within, 
me,"  Sharper  than  a  two-edged  sword  is  the  word  of  God  ; 
and  in  its  application  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  this  poor 
man,  it  proved  "  to  be  the  hammer  that  breaketh  the  rock  in 
pieces."  He  confessed  that  immediately  on  his  return  home, 
he  fell  for  the  first  time  on  his  knees,  and  with  crying  and 
tears  poured  forth  the  strong  emotion  of  his  heart  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  publican,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

Should  this  record  meet  the  eye  or  the  ear  of  the  individ- 
ual so  deeply  interested  in  it,  we  would  remind  him  of  that 
hour  of  divine  mercy,  and  of  the  day  when  he  bore  to  the  grave 
the  body  of  him  whose  dying  lips  had  conveyed  the  message 
of  life  to  his  soul.  We  would  remind  him  of  his  bitter  anguish 
when  he  descended  the  vault,  and  knelt,  weeping,  beside  the 
coffin.  We  would  exhort  him  to  cleave  with  full  purpose  of 
heart  to  the  Lord,  and  to  continue  faithful  unto  death  ;  that  in 
the  day  of  Christ's  appearing,  he  may  be  found  among  those 
w^ho  will  be  the  crown  and  joy  of  him  whose  los*  he  now  d'p- 
plores. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO>'D. 


3-29 


The  next  Sunday  Mr.  Richmond's  sermons  were  particu- 
larly  solemn.  In  the  morning  he  preached  from  Col.  iii,  2 ; 
*'  Set  your  affections  on  things  above."  And  this  address 
was  directed  to  the  true  disciple  for  his  comfort  and  confirma- 
tion. In  the  afternoon  he  preached  from  Psalm  cxix.  52,  53. 
"  I  remembered  thy  judgments  of  old,  O  Lord,  and  have 
comforted  myself.  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon  me,  because 
of  the  wicked  that  forsake  thy  law."  This  sermon  was  an 
awful  and  solemn  appeal  to  the  consciences  of  unawakened 
sinners.  It  was  remarked  by  a  person  going  out  of  church  ; 
'*  this  sounds  as  if  it  came  from  the  lips  of  a  dying  man." 

From  this  time  the  disorder  of  Mr.  Richmond  visibly  in- 
creased :  He  caught  a  fresh  cold,  and  could  only  speak  in  a 
whisper.  It  was  nevertheless,  with  some*  difficulty  that  he 
was  restrained  from  being  carried  to  the  church  ;  but  he  never 
more  left  the  house,  and  soon  became  sensible  that  his  belov- 
ed  flock  would  "  see  his- face  no  more."  A  gloom  of  sorrow 
overspread  the  parish,  and  "  prayer  was  made  without  ceasing 
of  the  church  unto  God,"  for  his  recovery.  But  the  time  was 
come  when  he  was  to  enter  into  his  rest.  Few  of  his  brethren 
had  the  privilege  of  conversing  with  him  at  this  time,  and  the 
editor  being  abroad,  on  a«count  of  his  own  health,  had  no 
opportunity  of  any  personal  interview  during  the  season  of 
his  final  illness.  The  last  interview  which  he  enjoyed  with 
his  esteemed  friend  was  in  the  preceding  autumn.  Little  did 
he  think,  at  that  time,  that  they  parted  to  meet  no  more  ! 
The  following  letters  supply  the  most  ample  and  interesting 
details  on  the  closing  scene  of  life. 

*'  My  dear  Friend, 

"  I  unite  with  you  and  the  neighborhood,  in  deeply  la- 
menting the  decease  of  our  much-valued  friend,  the  late  Mr. 
Richmond.  Every  day  and  occasion  v/iU  remind  us  of  our 
loss.  He  was  indeed  a  bond  of  union  in  all  our  meetings, 
both  public  and  private  ;  we  bowed  to  his  authority,  for  he  had 
an  excellent  judgment,  and  his  fine  temper  never  failed  to 
diffuse  a  kind  and  brotherly  feeling  amongst  us.  It  was  the 
spontaneous  remark  of  every  one  who  had  any  acquaintance 
with  him,  •  You  have  onlv  to  know  Legh  Richmond  to  love 
him.' 

"  My  interview  with  him  a  few  days  before  his  death,  con- 
cerning which  you  desired  to  be  informed,  was  highly  interest- 
ing, though  I  have  but  few  particulars  to  communicate. 

"  Mr.  Richmond  had  been  declining  in  health  for  the  last 


330 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


two  years.  A  visible  alteration  took  place  in  him  after  the 
death  of  his  son  Wilberforce.  The  intenisity  of  his  feelings 
was  at  all  times  disproportionate  to  his  strength  ;  and  some 
things,  especially  his  dear  boy's  removal,  seemed  to  lay  hold 
of  him  with  a  degree  of  poignancy  which  he  himself,  in 
common  with  his  friends,  greatly  regretted.  He  felt,  and 
expressed  resignation  and  thankfulness  in  the  event ;  yet  it 
was  evident  to  us  all  that  hi^  frame  had  received  an  irrepa-s 
rable  injury. 

"  His  brethren  saw  little  of  bim  during  the  last  few  months 
of  his  life.  He  continued  the  regalar  performance  of  the 
duties  of  his  parish  till  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  death,  and 
we  did  not  apprehend  that  he  was  so  soon  to  be  taken 
from  us. 

In  his  confinement  he  shrunk  frpm  all  intercourse  beyond 
the  circle  of  his  own  family. 

"  After  making  repeated  inquiries  about  his  state  of  health, 
and  receiving  very  unsatisfactory  answers,  I  consulted  his 
medical  attendant,  whose  report  determined  me  to  lose  no 
time  in  seeking  an  interview.  Of  his  spiritual  state  there 
could  be  no  doubt  ;  but  I  thought  if,  like  his  family,  he  felt 
persuaded  of  his  recovery,  it  might  be  important  on  many 
accounts  that  he  should  be  apprised  of  his  approaching  end. 

"  1  wished,  among  other  things,  to  induce  him  to  use  his 
influence  with  the  patron  of  the  living  in  the  appointment  of  a 
suitable  successor.  We  had  a  conversation  of  some  length  on 
this  subject,  and  which  I  regretted  when  I  perceived  how 
greatly  it  exhausted  his  weak  and  shattered  frame,  and  dis- 
abled  him  from  entering  on  matters  of  still  deeper  interest. 
I  was  anxious  to  hear  his  dying  testimony  to  the  great  truths 
he  had  so  long  taught,  and  so  strikingly  exemplified  by  a  con- 
sistent and  holy  conduct.  The  idea  too,  that  a  friendship 
which  had  sufiered  no  interruption  for  more  than  twenty  years, 
endeared  by  the  remembrance  of  his  judicious  advice  and 
affectionate  sampathy  in  my  hours  of  trial  and  affliction,  was 
soon  to  be  dissolved,  gave  a  solemn  and  affecting  interest 
tos  this  interview,  and  I  longed  to  express  my  gratitude,  as 
well  as  to  be  quickened  and  confirmed  by  his  dying  counsels. 

"  An  opportunity  offered,  and  I  said,  '  Dear  brother,  I  owe 
you  much  love,  and  am  pained  to  be  the  messenger  of  evil 
tidings.  Still  I  cannot  think  it  right  to  withhold  from  you  my 
apprehension  of  the  dangerous  nature  of  your  disease.'  '  I 
know  it,  brother'  he  replied,  '  seven  months  ago  I  was  well 
satisfied  from  whence  this  cough  came  ;  that  it  was  a  messen- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


331 


ger  from  above,  I  knew  what  it  meant — but  I  cannot  talk  : 
F  ,  do  you  talk.' 

"I  had  scarcely  resumed  the  conversation,  with  a  remark 
on  the  immense  value  and  importance  of  our  principles,  when 
he  raised  himself  upright  in  his  cl\air,  and  with  great  solemnity 
of  manner,  said,  '  Brother,  we  are  only  half  awake — we  are 
none  of  us  more  than  half  awake,'  He  seemed  unable  to 
proceed,  for  his  febleness  was  extreme,  and  to  relieve  him  I 
began  again  ;  but  he  made  another  effort.  '  The  enemy,  as 
our  poor  people  would  say,.h:is  been  very  busy  with  me.  I 
have  been  in  great  darkness — a  strange  thought  has  passed 
through  my  mind — it  is  all  delusiv^n.  Brother,  brother,  strong 
evidences,  nothing  but  strong  evidences  will  do  at  such  an 
hour  as  this.  I  have  looked  here  and  looked  there  tor  them — 
all  have  failed  me — and  so  I  cast  myself  on  the  sovereign, 
free,  and  full  grace  of  God  in  the  covenant  by  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  there,  brother  (looking  at  me  with  a  smile  of  tranquillity 
quite  indescribable,  and  which  1  shall  never  forget,)  there  I 
have  found  peace.' 

"  I  could  utter  nothing  in  reply.  My  heart  was  quite  full. 
I  grasped  his  hand  and  left  him,  with  a  promise  of  a  speedy 
return,  musing  on  the  similarity  of  his  experience  with  that 
expressed  by  Hooker,  a  favorite  with  us  both.  '  To  name 
merits,  tJien,  is  to  lay  their  souls  upon  the  rack,  the  memory 
of  their  own  deeds  is  loathsome  to  them,  they  forsake  all  things 
icherein  they  have  put  any  trust  or  confidence — no  staff  to  lean 
upon,  no  ease,  no  rest,  no  comfort  then,  hut  only  in  Jesus 
Christ.'* 

"  There  are,  doubtless  many  persons  who  would  feel  sur- 
prise at  the  particulars  which  I  have  related,  and  might  even 
be  disposed  to  ascribe  our  dear  friend's  distress  of  mind  to  a 
cause  very  remote  from  the  truth.  Those  who  know  nothing 
of  indwelling  sin,  whose  standard  is  low,  and  whose  apprehen- 
sion of  the  law  of  God  is  far  from  spirijtual,  cannot  possibly 
enter  into  the  feelings  of  man, 

'  who  evil  felt  within, 
And  when  he  felt  it,  heaved  a  siglv, 
A7id  loathed  the  thought  of  sin.'' 

"  To  me  it  appears  that  our  friend's  dispensation  was  pe- 
culiarly fitted  to  preserve  him  from  those  feelings  of  self-corn, 
placency  to  which  his  extensive  usefulness,  and  the  singular 


*  Hooker,  in  his  Sermon  on  Justification, 


332 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


honor  which  God  had  put  on  his  ministry,  would"  not  fail  to 
expose  him.  'I  never  knew,'  said  the  late  Mr.  R.  of  York, 
*  more  than  one  person  who  was  not  injured  by  success.* 
Therefore  we  may  esteem  every  dispensation  merciful,  how- 
ever painful,  which  teaches.the  salutary  lesson,  *  Let  no  man 
glory  in  men,  but  he  that  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord.' 

"  A  conversation  I  had  with  Mrs.  Richmond,  after  her 
husband's  decease,  confirmed  my  views  on  this  subject. 
When  I  told  her  what  had  passed  between  us,  she  said, '  l  ean 
explain  the  meaning  of  these  conflicts.  I  had  latterly  often 
observed  my  beloved  husband  in  5eep  thought.  He  seemed 
to  be  very  low  and  cheerless.  I  pressed  him  to  unbosom  his 
feelings,  that  I  might  share  his  sorrows  and  sympathize  with 
him.  For  a  long  time  he  was  unwiUing  to  enter  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  usually  replied,  '  nothing,  love,  nothing.  But  at 
last  he  told  me  that  strange  thoughts  had  been  suggested  to 
his  mind,  such  as  had  never  entered  it  in  his  hours  of  health 
— thoughts  of  his  extensive  usefulness  in  the  church  of  God. 
He  said  he  knew  them  to  be  suggestions  of  Satan,  but  that 
they  overwhelmed  him  with  deep  and  bitter  anguish.  Pride, 
pride,  hateful  thing  !' 

Another  idea  has  occurred  to  me  with  respect  to  this  trial 
of  our  dear  friend.  He  had  insisted  much  upon  the  free  and 
full  sufficiency  of  the  dispensation  of  grace  to  meet  man's  ex- 
tremity. His  darkness  and  distress  of  mind,  as  well  as  the 
support  he  found  in  his  own  principles,  seemed  to  me  a  practi- 
cal  illustration  of  the  grand  doctrine  of  the  cross.  It  was  for 
him  to  prove  the  reality  of  what  he  taught.  In  Christ  every 
thing, — out  af  him  nothing.  He  became  an  example,  as  he 
had  been  a  preacher,  of  the  righteousness  of  faith.  God 
humbled  his  servant,  magnified  the  riches  of  his  own  grace, 
and  made  him  a  pattern  to  us  all,  of  the  necessity  and  suffi- 
ciency  of  trust  in  Christ  alone.      •  * 

"  But  after  all,  there  is  much  truth  in  John  Newton's  re- 
mark ;  '  tell  me  not  how  a  man  died,  but  how  he  lived.'  The 
weakness  of  a  dying  hour,  and  the  ravages  of  disease,  may 
cloud  the  mind,  depress  the  spirits,  and  disturb  the  sober  ex-  i 
ercises  of  the  judgment.  One  thing,  however,  my  dear  friend,  ' 
is  evident ;  it  becomes  us  '  to  set  our  house  in  order,'  before 
the  approach  of  this  trying  hour.  At  that  time  we  should 
have  nothing  to  settle  with  God.  It  is  not  a  season  to  begiji 
to  turn  to  Christ,  when  we  cannot  turn  in  our  bed.  May 
the  thought  be  ever  present  to  our  recollection,  *  we  are  only 
lialf  awake.'  The  removal  of  our  dear  brother  is  a  loud  call 


REV.   LEGH  EICHMOXD. 


333 


*o  us  to  trim  our  lamps  and  '  wait  for  our  Lord,'  that  when 
he  Cometh  and  knocketh,  we  may  open  to  him  immediately. 

"  Believe  me,  my  dear  friend,  I  am  yours  very  faithfully, 
though  most  unworthily,  T.  F." 

Letter  to  Mrs.  F  ,  in  reference  to  ]Mr.  Richmond's  de- 

cease. 

3Iy  dear  Mrs.  F.  ,  — You  wish  nie  to  give  you  an  ac- 

count  of  the  closing  scene  of  my  beloved  parent's  life.  This 
will  be  attended  with  some  difficulty  ;  for  though  I  was  his 
friend  as  well  as  his  child,  and  the  endeared  companion  of  his 
retired  hours, — and  though  many  events  and  conversations, 
full  of  deep  and  aifecting  interest,  are  indelibly  engraved  on 
my  memory,  yet  as  I  did  not  anticipate  the  mournful  bereave- 
ment, and  omitted  to  make  a  memoranda  at  the  time,  I  find 
now  that  much  of  the  detail  is  irrevocably  lost,  and  I  should 
be  afraid  to  write  any  thing  which  was  not  strictly  and  liter- 
ally true. 

"  Yet  the  recollection  of  hours  spent  in  my  beloved  father's 
study,  which  was  indeed  a  hallowed  sanctuary  of  devotion, 
keeps  alive  in  my  mind  an  abiding  conviction  of  the  reality 
and  happiness  of  experimental  closet  religion.  When  I  feel 
worldly  influence  stealing  on  me,  and  consequently,  religious 
duties  losing  their  glow  of  interest,  I  have  but  to  think  of 
my  departed  parent  and  of  past  times,  and  my  heart  is  again 
warmed,  a  new  energy  in  the  spiritual  life  seems  imparted, 
and  thus  my  soul  does  indeed  realize  that  *  the  memory  of 
the  just  is  blessed.' 

"  I  cannot  express  the  veneration  and  love  with  which  he 
was  regarded  by  every  one  of  his  children.  With  an  under- 
standing of  the  very  first  order,  a  mind  elegantly  refined  and 
polished,  and  feelings  of  the  most  delicate  susceptibihty,  he 
had  a  heart  overfiowing  with  intense  afiection  towards  each 
of  them,  which  was  shown  by  daily  and  hourly  attention  of 
the  most  winning  nature  ;  and  they  found  in  him  not  only  a 
counsellor  and  instructor,  but  a  companion  and  bosom  friend. 
They  clung  to  him,  indeed,  with  an  almost  idolatrous  fond- 
ness. Each  of  my  brothers  and  sisters  will  agree  with  me 
in  the  sentiment  of  dear  Wilberforce  (it  was  one  of  my 
brother's  remarks  a  little  before  he  closed  his  eyes  upon  his 
weeping  parent,)  '  when  my  heart  feels  too  cold  to  thank 
God  for  any  thing  else,  it  can  thank  him  for  giving  me  such 
a  father.'  He  was  the  spiritual  as  well  as  the  natural  father 
29 


334 


MEMOIRS  OF  TUE 


of  that  dear  boy,  and  I  trust  others  of  his  children  are  thus 
bound  to  him  by  a  tie  strong  and  lasting  as  eternity  itself. 
Surely  the  world  does  not  contain  a  spot  of  more  sweet  and 
uninterrupted  domestic  happiness  than  Turvey  rectory  pre- 
sented, before  death  entered  that  peaceful  dwelling.  It  was 
ever  the  first  wish  of  my  beloved  father,  that  our  liome  should 
be  happy ;  and  he  was  never  so  pleased  as  when  we  were 
all  sitting  around  him.  Both  in  our  childhood  and  youth, 
every  innocent  pleasure  was  resorted  to,  and  all  his  varied 
attainments  brought  into  exercise  to  instruct  and  amuse  us. 
He  was  the  sun  of  our  little  system,  and  from  him  seemed 
to  be  derived  the  light  and  glow  of  domestic  happiness. 
Like  the  disciple,  whose  loving  spirit  I  have  often  thought  my 
dear  father's  resembled,  his  motto  was,  '  little  children,  love 
one  another;'  and  he  taught  this  more  affectually  by  sympa- 
thy than  even  by  precept.  Religion  was  unfolded  to  us  in 
its  most  attractive  form.  We  saw  that  it  was  a  happy  thing 
to  be  a  Christian.  He.  was  exempt  from  gloom  and  melan- 
choly, and  entered  with  life  and  cheerfulness  into  all  our 
sports. 

"  But  we  should  not  have  been  thus  happy  in  domestic  af- 
fection, had  not  our  beloved  father  so  carefully  trained  us  in 
the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ.  This  was  his  chief  concern,  his 
hourly  endeavor.  He  did  not  talk  much  with  us  about  reli- 
gion ;  but  the  books,  studies,  and  even  amusements  to  which 
he  directed  us,  showed  that  God  was  in  all  his  thoughts,  and 
that  his  great  aim  was  to  prepare  his  children  for  heaven. 
Religion  was  practically  taught  in  all  he  said  and  did,  and 
recommended  to  us,  in  his  lovely  domestic  character,  more 
powerfully  than  in  any  Other  Avay.  He  had  a  thousand  win- 
ning ways  to  lead  our  infant  minds  to  God,  and  explain  to  us 
the  love  of  the  Saviour  to  little  children.  It  was  then  our  first 
impressions  were  received  ;  and  though  for  a  time  they  were 
obscured  by  youthful  vanities,  they  were  never  totally  erased  ; 
he  lived  to  see  them,  in  some  instances,  ripened  into  true  con- 
^  version.  It  was  his  custom,  when  we  were  very  young,  to 
pray  with  us  alone  ;  he  used  to  take  us  by  turns  into  his  study  ; 
and  memory  still  recals  the  simple  language  and  affecting 
earnestness  with  which  he  pleaded  for  the  conversion  of  his 
child.  1  used  to  weep  because  he  wept,  though  I  understood 
and  felt  little  of  his  meaning  ;  but  I  saw  it  was  all  love,  and 
thus  my  earliest  impression  was  associated  with  the  idea, 
that  it  was  religion  which  made  him  love  us  so  tenderly, 
and  that  prayer  was  an  expression  of  that  love.    I  was  led 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


335 


in  this  way  to  pray  for  those  who  were  kind  to  me,  as  dear- 
papa  did. 

"  In  conversation,  he  did  not  often  urge  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion  directly  on  our  attention,  or  question  us  much  as  to  our 
personal  experience  of  it.  He  has  sometimes  regretted  this, 
and  called  it  his  infirmity ;  but  I  think  he  adopted  a  more 
successful  plan.  He  used  to  watch  over  us  most  cautiously, 
and  express  his  opinion  in  writing  :  we  constantly  found  letters 
left  in  our  rooms,  with  directions  to  think  and  pray  over  them. 
Reproof  was  always  conveyed  in  this  way ;  and  he  also  took 
the  same  method  of  questioning  us  on  experimental  religion, 
and  of  beseeching  us  to  become  more  decided  for  God*  Some- 
times he  required  an  answer,  but  generally  his  only  request 
was,  that  we  would  '  spread  his  letter  before  the  Lord,  and 
think  over  it.' 

"  His  reproofs  were  inexpressibly  tender.  He  was  never 
angry  with  us  ;  but  when  we  displeased  him,  he  shewed  it  by 
such  a  sad  and  mournful  countenance,  that  it  touched  us  to 
the  very  heart,  and  produced  rhore  effect  than  any  punish- 
ment could  have  done,  for  we  saw  that  it  was  our  dear  farher 
who  suffered  the  most.  In  this  way  he  gained  such  an  ascend- 
ancy over  our  affections,  that  none  of  his  children  could  feel 
happy  if  his  smile  was  withdrawn,  and  all  regarded  that  smile 
as  a  rich  reward. 

"  The  anniversaries  of  our  birthdays  were  always  seasons 
of  festivity  amongst  us.  AVe  were  generally  awakened  with 
his  congratulations  and  blessing.  '  He  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  offered  sacrifice,  according  to  the  number  of 
them  all :  thus  did  he  continually.'*  I  love  to  recal  those 
happy  and  innocent  days,  when  our  dear  father,  even  in  our 
childish  sports,  was  the  main-spring  of  our  joys,  and  the  con- 
triver of  every  amusement.  We  always  found  a  birthday 
present  for  us,  often  accompanied  by  an  affectionate  note. 

"Though  my  dear  father  was  naturally  playful  and  lively, 
his  spirits  were  easily  depressed  ;  and  they  appeared  to  under- 
go a  considerable  change  subsequent  to  the  summer  of  1824, 
the  period  at  which  Wilberforce's  health  began  to  decline  : 
'  Wilberforce  was  most  tenderly  endeared  to  him  ;  and  there 
was  a  strong  affinity  in  their  characters.  He  was  just  begin- 
ning to  unfold  a  very  fine  understanding,  and  his  intellectual 
attainments  were  certainly  superior  for  his  age.  His  mind 
had  been  cultivated  with  much  care  ;  and  the  same  elegance 


336 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


of  taste  and  delicacy  of  feeling,  so  prominent  in  my  father's 
character,  seemed  likewise  to  mark  that  of  his  cherished  boy. 
He  manifested  the  same  inclination  to  the  studies  of  natural 
philosophy;  and  when  the  school  lessons  were  finished,  they 
were  constantly  engaged  together  in  these  pursuits.  While 
the  other  boys  were  at  play,  Wilberforce  generally  occupied 
himself  in  reading  in  the  study,  and  trying  experiments,  <fec. 
Mineralogy,  in  particular,  was  a  favorite  science  with  both  ; 
and  in  each  instance  it  beguiled  the  hours  of  declining  health. 
Papa  used  to  amuse  himself  with  his  minerals,  when  all  his 
other  scientific  pursuits  failed  to  interest  him;  and  poor  Willy 
found  the  same  pleasure  in  this  study ;  for  within  a  few  days 
of  his  death,  he  was  searching  to  see  how  many  different 
kinds  of  stones  might  be  enumerated.  He  had  never  been 
absent  from  home,  but  was  brought  up  under  the  immediate 
eye  of  his  parent,  and  watched  with  ceaseless  care.  He 
was  now  preparing  for  college,  and  sanguine  in  the  hope  that 
he  might  distinguish  himself;  and  his  father  was  looking 
forward  with  deep  interest  to  this  period. 

"  In  the  summer  of  1824,  my  brother  ruptured  a  blood- 
vessel,  and  began  to  spit  blood.  My  dear  father  discovered 
great  anxiety  and  alarm,  though  we  did  not,  for  a  long  time, 
know  how  deeply  he  was  affected.  He  afterwards  told  mam- 
ma, that  on  that  morning,  as  he  looked  on  Wilberforce,  he 
felt  a  shock,  which  seemed  to  shatter  him  to  the  ^'^ry  soul, 
and  from  which  he  never  after  recovered.  He  did  indeed,  to 
use  his  own  words,  '  roll  the  troublous  calamity  on  God,'  but 
nature  sunk  under  the  stroke. 

"In  June  1824,  he  took  a  journey  to  Scotland,  to  place 
Wilberforce  under  the  care  of  Dr.  Stewart.  I  was  their 
companion  in  that  journey,  which  I  have  a  mournful  pleasure 
in  retracing. 

"  It  was  very  pleasant  to  travel  with  my  father,  he  had  such 
an  exquisite  perception  of  the  beauties  of  nature  :  and  every 
object  of  interest  was  pointed  out  to  us  with  his  own  elegant 
and  devotional  associations.  Often  has  he  wandered  on 
through  the  fine  scenes  of  Scotland,  both  by  daylight  and 
moonlight,  with  poor  Willy  and  myself  at  his  side  ;  and  we 
have  sat  down  together  on  the  sea-shore,  or  by  the  hedge-side, 
while  he  shewed  us  the  image  of  the  Deity  in  the  beauty  of  his 
works  :  and  whether  he  was  contemplating  the  simple  wild- 
flower  or  the  resplendent  firmament,  he  would  point  to  the 
hand  of  Omnipotence  in  both.  But  his  enjoyments  at  this 
time  greatly  depended  upon  his  dear  boy's  being  able  to  par- 


REV.  LEGH  RICHMOJID.  ^  337 

ticipate  in  them  :  if  Willy  drooped,  his  spirits  gone, 
and  nature  lost  its  power  to  charm.  I  think  he  \^s  gradu- 
ally declining  in  his  own  health,  though  he  did  not  complain. 
He  was  watching  the  decay  of  his  beloved  son,  while  his 
own  frame  was  giving  way. 

We  returned  home  in  October,  with  no  material  benefit 
to  our  dear  invalid  :  and  in  January,  1825,  after  a  happy  and 
even  triumphant  experience  of  the  power  of  religion,  my 
brother  breathed  his  last  gentle  sigh  in  the  arms  of  his  afflict- 
ed father,  who  had  been  in  God's  hands,  his  sole  teacher, 
comforter,  and  supporter.  He  was  ever  at  the  dying  pillow 
of  his  suffering  child,  reading,  praying,  and  comforting  him, 
by  day  and  by  night.  Before  us,  he  appeared  composed  and 
tranquil  ;  but  in  his  retired  moments,  I  have  heard  him  give 
vent  to  his  feelings, with  strong  '  crying  and  tears.'  Ire- 
member,  on  the  evening  of  Wilberforce's  death,,  after  he  had 
yielded  to  the  first  burst  of  grief,  he  clasped  the  inanimate 
form  to  his  heart,  laid  it  down,  dried  his  tears,  and  collecting 
us  together  in  the  study,  he  knelt  down,  and  uttered  only  the 
language  of  praise  and  gratitude.  For  a  little  moment  he 
seemed  not  only  to  follow,  but  to  realize  his  child's  flight  and 
welcome  to  the  realms  of- glory.  His  whole  conduct  seem- 
ed to  express,  "  though  I  should  see  his  hand  lifted  to  slay 
me,  yet  from  that  same  hand  will  I  look  for  salvation.^' 

"  He  was  much  comforted,  at  this  time,  in  his  parish,  and 
in  his  own  family.  In  the  parish,  there  appeared  a  remarka- 
ble revival  of  religion,  particularly  among  the  young  people. 
It  might  be  truly  said,  '  there  were  added  to  the  church  daily, 
such  as  should  be  saved.'  This  dear  boy's  death  appeared 
to  be  the  life  of  many  souls;  and,  in  my  dear  father's  own 
language,  '  they  were  the  spiritual  roses,  blooming  around 
the  grave  of  his  Willy.' 

"At  this  time,  his  character  as  a  parish  priest  shone  forth 
most  eminently.  He  was  singularly  blessed  among  his  flock- 
His  heart  was  always  in  his  work  ;  but  more  particularly  did 
he  now  preach  the  word,  in  season  and  out  of  season  ;  *  re- 
proving, rebuking,  exhorting,  with  all  long-sufiering  and  doc- 
trine.' An  increase,  of  religious  inquiry  and  anxiety  among 
his  people  produced  a  corresponding  increase  of  visiting  and 
teaching  on  his  part.  He  regularly  met  a  party  of  his  pious 
poor  at  a  neighboring  cottage,  on  Tuesdays  ;  frequently  a 
different  set  on  Thursdays ;  and  on  Sunday  nights  after  his 
fatiguing  duties  in  the  church,  he  met  those  who  had  been 
newly  awakened  to  ^spiritual  life.  His  heart  seemed  partic- 
29* 


338 


JIEMOraS    OF  TH^r 


alarly  interested  in  this  last  little  party,  which  he  used  to  call 
his  ^spiritual  nursery.^  I have^ looked  at  him  with  astonish, 
ment  when  he  came  to  us  on  Sunday  nights.  Unceasingly 
occupied,  from  ten  in  the  morning  till  ten  at  night,  he  met  us 
with  his  usual  cheerfulness,  and  entered  into  animated  and 
interesting  conversation,  as  if  no  fatigue  was  felt.  On  Sun- 
day evenings,  after  the  administration  of  the  sacrament,  he 
met  the  communicants.  On  these  occasions,  he  was  happy 
in  being  surrounded  by  his  spiritual  children,  dearly  loved 
by  him,  and,  on  the  whole,  he  could  look  on  them  with  appro- 
bation and  confidence,  as  his  '  glory  and  joy.'  He  was  earn- 
est in  enforcing  upon  them  consistency  of  -character,  and 
uprightness  in  temporal  affairs  :  anxious  that  the  enemies  of 
true  religion  should  have  no  cause  to  blaspheme  from  the 
inconsistency  of  its  professors,  but  that  his  people  should 
adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour,  and  put  to  silence 
the  ignorance  of  foolish  men  ;  shewing,  that  the  ^ctrines  of 
grace  are  the  doctrines  of  holiness.' 

"  But  not  in  his  parish  alone  v/as  the  death  of  his  beloved 
son  rendered  singularly  useful ;  his  heart  was  yet  more  com- 
forted by  the  hope  of  solid  benefit  to  his  own  family.  The 
seed  which  had  been  sown  with  ntany  prayers,  and  watered 
with  many  tears,  though  it  had  hitherto  lain  dormant,  begjan 
at  this  time  to  spring  up  to  the  consolation  of  his  bereaved 
heart.  With  unspeakable  tenderness  he  watched  over  the 
signs  of  religious  anxiety  in  his  children,  weeping  over  them 
and  praying  for  them  with  the  mgst  vehement  affection. 

*'  It  was  a  few  days  after  Willy's  death,  that  my  own  mind 
was  in  a  state  of  agitating  anxiety- — thirsting  for  the  knowl- 
edge of  God  and  his  holiness,  yet  feeling  so  ignorant,  dark 
and  helpless,  that  I  knew  not  where  to  look  for  encourage- 
ment or  assistance.  My  ignoraace  was  my  great  burden.  I 
felt  as  if  I  never  could  understand  religion,  and  with  these 
feelings  I  went  into  the  study,  where  I  found  my  beloved  pa- 
rent in  deep  meditation.  He  seemed  to  perceive  at  one^lance 
what  was  the  matter.  In  his  engaging  manner  he  took  me 
on  his  knee,  and  folding  me  to  his  heart,  begged  me  to  tell 
him  all  I  felt.  This  was  the  first  time  I  had  opened  my  mind 
to  him  on  the  subject  of  religion.  I  tried  to  tell  him  my  feel- 
ings, dwelling  particularly  on  my  ignorance  and  total  blind- 
ness in  spiritual  things.  With  striking  humility  and  conde- 
scension, he  replied,  '  Well,  my  dear  child,  we  will  begin  re- 
ligion together.  We  will  set  out  in  the  first  step,  for  \  have 
as  much  need  as  you  to  begin  all  again.  We  must  go  to  Jesus 


BEV.  LEGH  EICHMO?n?, 


339 


Christ  to  be  set  right.  We  will  ask  to  be  taught  the  first  les. 
son  in  his  religion,  and  wait  in  the  ignorance  of  babes  for  his 
instruction.' 

"  In  the  following  winter,  my  dear  father's  failing  spirits 
sustained  another  severe  shock.  We  were  expecting  every 
week  our  eldest  brother  from  India.  He  left  home  at  the 
age  of  fifteen,  and  eleven  years  had  now  elapsed  since  his 
father  had  seen  him.  Many  singular  and  affecting  circum- 
stances  had  occurred  during  this  interval.  He  was  thrice 
shipwrecked  ;  and  on  one  occasion,  with  only  a  few  others  he 
got  safe  to  shore.  In  his  early  youth  he  had  been  a  source  of 
much  sorrow  to  his  parents,  but  in  a  far  distant  land  his  heart 
was  turned  to  the  God  of  his  father  ;  and  we  received  the  most 
satisfactory  testimonies  to  his  conversion. 

"  My  father's  sensitive  feelings  were  strained  to  the  high- 
est  pitch  in  expectation  of  meeting  his  dear  sailor-boy  who  was 
on  his  return  to  visit  us,  and  he  was  preparing  to  welcome  the 
*  son  who  was  lost  and  is  found,  was  dead  and  is  alive  again,' 
when  the  mournful  tidings  of  his  death  reached  us. 

"  Both  the  mind  and  body  of  my  dear  father  were  shattered 
by  this  intelligence.  But  though  suffering  most  acutely,  he 
was,  as  in  the  former  bereavement,  the  comforter  and  stay  of 
his  family  ; — concealing  his  own  feelings,  to  mitigate  theirs. 

"  He  used  to  be  much  at  home  at  this  time,  communing  with 
his  own  heart,  in  his  chamber,  in  silence,  and  no  doubt  it  was 
his  fervent  and  frequent  devotion  which  strengthened  and  en- 
abled  him  '  to  comlbrt  those  who  were  in  trouble  by  the  com- 
fort wherewith  he  himself  was  comforted  of  God.' 

"  He  had  shut  himself  up  for  six  weeks,  and  never  appeared 
in  public,  except  on  the  sunday  ;  but  when  he  heard  of  the 
anxiety  of  the  people  to  see  him,  and  share  the  sorrows  of 
their  beloved  pastor,  he  desired  them  to  assemble  in  the 
schoolroom;  and  he  went  there  to  meet  them.  It  was  evi- 
dently too  trying  and  exciting  for  his  weak  frame.  For  some 
time  he  could  not  speak ;  but  when  he  recovered  himself, 
his  address  was  inexpressibly  touching,  and  yet  comforting. 
The  people  wept  with  him,  and  felt  his  sorrows  as  their  own. 
He  told  them,  that  conscious  of  their  interest  in  him,  and  of 
their  anxiety  to  know  his  state  of  mind  under  this  afflicting 
rod,  he  had  come  on  purpose  to  tell  them  what  God  could  do 
for  the  soul  that  looked  to  him  for  help  ;  that  they  might 
magnify  the  Lord  with  him,  and  exalt  his  name  together.  He 
said,  that  while  he  had  been  shut  up  in  the  solitude  of  his 
study,  for  the  last  six  weeks,  in  silent  communing  with  God, 


340 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


he  had  learnt  to  feel,  *it  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  af- 
flicted,' — that  the  experience  of  his  soul  during  that  trying 
season  had  been,  *  in  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  within 
me  thy  comforts  have  refreshed  my  s«ul.' 

"  He  then  expounded  the  107th  psalm,  with  reference  to 
poor  Nugent's  case  ;  and  expressed  himself  with  more  than 
ordinary  energy  and  freedom.  He  had  been  tried,  but  he  came 
forth  as  gold.  His  heavenly  Father  seemed  to  say  to  him, 
*  My  son,  give  me  thine  heart and  the  answer  of  his  soul  was 
— '  There  is  none  upon  earth  I  desire  in  comparison  of  thee.' 
While  fainting  beneath  the  heavy  load  of  suffering,  he  tried 
to  say,  like  his  blessed  Master,  '  the  cup  which  my  Father 
hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink  it  V 

"  He  now  resumed  his  usual  cottage  meetings  ;  and  though 
his  constiution  was  evidently  sinking,  and  he  was  laboring  far 
beyond  his  strength,  he  could  not  be  persuaded  to  relax 
or  lessen  any  of  his  pastoral  engagements.  We  earnestly 
pressed  him  to  retire  for  a  season  from  his  duties  ;  but,  con- 
trary to  his  usual  yielding  temper,  he  remained  inflexible-; 
adding,  either  *  it  does  not  injure  me  ;'  or  '  I  shall  suffer  more 
in  my  mind,  by  giving  them  up,  than  in  my  body,  by  attending 
to  them.'  The  last  year  of  his  life  he  had  a  constant  irrita- 
ting cough  which  finally  settled  upon  his  lungs  ;  and  was  no 
doubt  much  increased  by  such  frequent  talking  and  exposure 
to  the  night  air. 

"  I  was  his  constant  companion  in  his  visits  to  the  cottages  ; 
and  he  often  looked  so  worn  and  fatigued,  and  his  spirits 
sometimes  so  much  affected,  apparently  with  thoughts  which 
he  did  not  express,  that  I  have  turned  away  to  weep,  and  felt 
undefinable  sensations  of  dread,  as  the  idea  crossed  my  mind 
that  he  was  meditating  on  the  final  separation. 

"  His  public  discourses  at  this  time  were  particularly 
awakening  as  well  as  confirming.  While  he  warned  his 
flock,  with  deep  solemnity,  '  le&t  any  man  fail  of  the  grace  of 
God,'  he  enlarged  on  the  divine  promises,  the  glory  of  the 
Saviour,  and  the  blessedness  of  the  redeemed.  A  poor  wo- 
man remarked  to  me — '  Your  dear  papa  preaches  as  if  he  was 
near  home.' 

"  What  he  was  in  his  family  during  the  two  last  years 
of  his  life,  my  pen  can  but  faintly  describe.  Since  Nugent's 
and  Willy's  death,  his  affections  were  more  concentrated  on 
those  who  were  left :  and  he  had  also  a  more  endearing  tie, 
for  he  could  now  look  on  some  of  his  family  as  his  spiritual 
children.    In  conversation  and  reading,  he  could  find  cona- 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


341 


panions  in  them.  Very  pleasant  is'  the  recollection  of  the 
happy  and  profitable  hours  spent  in  my  father's  study.  He 
used  to  awake  me  at  six  o'clock  every  morning,  and  I  read 
to  him  till  breakfast.  He  was  fond  of  this  early  hour,  and 
kept  up  the  plan  even  through  the  last  winter.  But  it  was 
injurious  to  him  ;  for  when  his  cough  was  bad,  and  his  health 
sinking  daily,  he  would  still  rise  betore  the  servants  were  up, 
call  me  and  my  brothers,  and  then  light  his  own  fire,  that  all 
might  be  ready  for  the  reading  to  commence.  He  made  many 
valuable  remarks  as  we  went  on.  The  last  winter  months, 
he  wished  me  to  read  to  him  the  Cripplegate  Lectures. 
Archbishop  Leighton,  who  was  a  particular  favorite  with  him, 
was  the  last  author  we  read  together.  Sacred  is  the  memory 
of  those  hours  :  his  health  was  declining,  but  his  soul  was 
ripening  for  glory  ;  and  while  listening  with  interest  to  the 
deep  experience  and  triumphant  victories  of  these  holy  men, 
he  was  probably  anticipating  the  near  apporach  of  that  time 
when  he  should  join  their  company. 

His  mind  was  often  for  days  peaceful  and  tranquil.  At 
such  times  he  never  spoke  of  Wilberforce's  death,  but  in  terms 
of  gratitude  and  praise  for  his  happy  end  :  but  at  other  times,, 
the  vivid  remembrances  of  his  bereavements  seemed  to 
overwhelm  him,  and  to  occasion  new  conflicts.  I  have  heard 
his  convulsive  sobs  and  his  heart-touching  prayers,  as  I  sat 
in  the  room  beneath  the  study.  I  remember  on  one  day  in 
particular,  he  had  been  a  long  time  alone,  wishing  to  be  un- 
disturbed ;  and  when  I  went  to  him,  I  found  him  in  deep  sor- 
row. Willy's  papers  v.  ere  lying  before  him,  and  be  appeared 
in  great  agitation  of  mind.  In  what  followed,  I  was  struck 
with  the  deep  humility  of  his  feelings.  He  said,  'it  was  not 
unmingled  grief  for  Wilberforce  which  was  then  uppermost ; 
he  knew  he  was  sate  in  heaven,  and  that  to  him  death  had 
been  victory  :  but  that  the  thought  painfully  harassed  him — - 
shall  /  ever  meet  him  in  heaven  ?  shall  /  indeed  ever  get 
there  ?  Friends  try  to  comfort  me,  by  saying,  (as  if  they  took 
it"  for  granted,)  that  sorrow  is  unnecessary  ;  for  the  separation 
is  \eTy  short,  and  we  shall  soon  meet  again  in  heaven.  But, 
alas  !  there  is  that  inward  consciousness  of  sin,  and  that 
perplexing  conflict,  that  /  cannot  take  it  for  granted  :  and  the 
thought  is  now  sinking  me  in  the  very  dust,  shall  I  indeed 
meet  him  in  heaven  ? — am  I  sure  eternity  will  unite  us  ?  And 
I  often  shudder,  and  fall  down  confounded,  at  the  possibility 
that,  after  all,  I  may  come  short,  and  our  separation  be  eter- 
nal.' 


342 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


This  was  an  affecting  and  important  lesson.  I  saw  that 
the  most  holy  and  established  Christian  is  still  a  sinner,  and 
feeis  himself  such  ;  that,  however  high  his  spiritual  attain- 
ments  in  this  life,  the  flesh  still  weighs  doVn  the  spirit.  I 
had  heard  and  seen  my  dear  father  so  strong  in  faith,  that 
heaven  seemed  realized,  and  victory. obtained  ;  and  \  fancied 
he  could  never  have  a  doubt  of  his  salvation.  But  I  found 
that  the  father  in  Christ  could  weep  and  tremble  like  the 
.babe,  because  of  the  sin  that  dwelleth  in  him. 

My  dear  father's  cough  continued,  and  he  became  very 
thin  ;  and  every  one  remarked  how  ill  he  looked.  But  he 
appeared  not  to  notice  it,  and  we  thought  he  did  not  apprehend 
danger  :  we  have  since  found  that  we  were  mistaken,  and  that 
he  '  always  looked  on  the  cough  as  a  summons  from  above.' 

He  abated  nothing  of  his  work,  and  still  continued  his  visits 
to  the  poor.  It  was  in  the  cottage  of  sorrow,  and  by  the  bed 
of  the  dying,  that  my  beloved  parent's  character  appeared  the 
brightest.  He  was  the  father  as  well  as  the  minister  of  his 
people  ;  and  they  brought  all  their  difficulties  and  troubles  to 
him,  and  ever  found  in  him  a  tender  and  judicious  adviser. 
He  had  particular  pleasure  in  conversing  with  the  pious  poor, 
and  said  he  had  learnt  some  of  his  best  lessons  from  them  ; 
that  the  religion  of  the  poor  in  general  was  more  spiritual  and 
sincere  than  that  of  the  rich  ;  that  they  lived  more  simply  the 
life  of  faith  on  the  Son  of  God.  I  have  seen  my  beloved 
father  in  public,  when  the  gaze  of  admiration  was  fixed  on 
him,  and  in  the  private  drawing-room  1  have  beheld  him  the 
delight  and  entertainment  of  the  company,  and  my  heart  has 
exulted  in  him;  but  it  was  when  smoothing  the  pillow  of  pov- 
erty and  death,  that  I  most  loved  and  venerated  him  ;  and  dis- 
covered the  image  of  that  Saviour  '  who  went  about  doing 
good.' 

In  the  month  of  February  he  went  to  Cambridge  for  a 
fortnight,  to  enter  Henry.  This  was  another  subject  of  great 
anxiety  to  his  mind  :  he  dreaded  the  temptations  of  a  college 
life ;  and  expressed  much  solicitude  lest  his  dear  inexperi- 
enced boy  should  be  corrupted,  and  his  religion  injured. 

"  When  he  returned  from  Cambridge,  we  thought  he  looked 
better.  He  had  been  among  friends  he  loved,  and  he  derived 
great  pleasure  from  his  visit,  and  appeared  more  cheerful  and 
lively  than  we  had  known  him  for  the  last  two  years.  He 
entered  into  conversation  with  spirit,  and  even  amused  and 
entertained  us  in  his  engaging  manner.  We  spent  one  week 
with  him  in  this  improved  state  of  health  and  spirit ;  but  he 
soon  relapsed  into  his  former  thoughtful  silence.    The  next 


REV.    LEGH  RICH:-I0XD. 


343 


week  he  caught  a  fresh  cold,  and  his  cough  returned  with 
greater  violence  :  yet  he  would  have  preached  on  the  follow- 
ing  Sunday,  if  his  voice  had  not  entirely  failed  him.  I  do  not 
think  he  imagined  that  \}e  had  seen  his  people  for  the  last 
time,  but  that  he  anticipated  a  temporary  amendment,  suffi- 
cient  to  enable  him  to  go  amongst  them  again.  But  his  min- 
istry was  closed ;  and  he  was  to  meet  them  no  more  till  they 
met  at  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ ! 

"  To  prevent  increase  of  cold,  he  kept  entirely  to  his  study, 
and  never  came  down  stairs  after  that  Sunday  ;  yet  he  read 
and  wrote  as  usual. 

"  It  may  seem  extraordinary  that  he  never  spoke  to  us  on 
the  subject  of  his  death,  but  those  can  understand  it  who 
knew  the  exquisite  tenderness  and  susceptibility  of  his  feel- 
ings. His  affection  indeed  was  almost  his  affliction.  He 
could  not  bear  to  witness  the  sorrow  which  would  have  filled 
our  hearts  in  the  certain  and  near  prospect  of  separation. 
He  wished  us,  I  think,  to  understand  his  situation  and  to  ob- 
serve in  silence. 

"  There  were  no  violent  symptoms  to  mark  the  approach  of 
death,  but  a  orradual  decav  of  strength.  He  sat  with  us  as 
usual  in  his  study-chair  to  the  very  last  day, — almost  to  the 
last  hour.  I  recollect  many  things  which  1  did  not  then  un- 
derstand,  but  which  how  show  me  that  he  was  preparing  for 
death  :  wuth  surprising  calmness  he  set  his  house  in  order. 
He  made  a  catalogue  of  his  principal  books,  with  memoranda 
how  they  were  to  be  disposed  of ;  also  of  his  minerals  and 
philosophical  apparatus  ;  he  emptied  all  the  cupboards  round 
the  room  which  had  not  been  done  for  many  years  ;  he  burnt 
every  book  which  he  thought  9f  an  injurious  tendency.  All 
this  was  done  for  the  most  part  in  silence,  it  being  painful  for 
him  to  speak,  even  in  a  whisper.  I  have  seen  him  sit  for  an 
hour  together  in  the  deepest  abstraction  of  thought — then  he 
would  raise  his  eyes,  the  tears  streaming  down  his  pale  cheeks, 
clasping  his  hands,  as  if  in  the  fervency  of  importunate  prayer 
— and  again  all  was  composure,  and  he  looked  peaceful  and 
happy-  He  seemed  to  be  maintaining  a  constant  communion 
with  God.  I  know  he  felt  deeply  for  his  children,  whom  he 
was  about  to  leave  young  and  inexperienced — exposed  to  a 
world  of  sin  and  temptation.  My  brother  and  I  have  frequent- 
ly heard  him  break  forth  in  prayer  for  us  when  we  had  scarce- 
ly closed  his  door.  The  sounds  were  faint  and  broken,  but  we 
understood  their  import ;  and  the  unutterable  tenderness  of  his 
manner  towards  us  is  even  now  too  affecting  to  4well  upon. 


344 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


He  would  sometimes  open  his  arms  for  me  to  come  to  him, 
and  laying  his  head  upon  my  shoulder  would  fall  again  into 
deep  thought.  His  parish  also  was  always  upon  his  mind. 
He  was  continually  inquiring  about  the  people,  and  sending 
me  with  messages  to  them  ;  and  he' listened  with  much  inte- 
rest to  the  report  I  made  of  them. 

"  One  of  his  converts,  a  young  girl  of  nineteen,  was  at  this 
time  on  the  bed  of  death,  and  my  dear  father  regretted  much 
he  could  not  visit  her  ;  but  he  was  very  anxious  to  comfort  and 
instruct  her  through  me.  She  survived  him  two  months,  and 
died  in  the  same  peace,  perhaps  with  more  triumph.  She 
said,  just  before  her  death,  '  she  longed  yet  more  for  heaven, 
because  her  dear  minister  vvas  there  to  welcome  her.'  I  know 
that  he  was  full  of  anxiety  for  a  suitable  successor,  and  the 
idea  of  his  flock  being  dispersed  hung  heavy  upon  his  spirits. 
One  morning,  when  I  was  sitting  near  him,  he  burst  into  tears 
and  said,  '  Oh  !  my  parish  !  my  poor  parish  !  I  feel  as  if  I  had 
done  nothing  for  it,  as  if  it  had  been  so  much  neglected.  I 
have  not  done  half  that  I  ought.'  It  was  more  than  I  could 
bear  to  hear  him  speak  in  this  way  ;  for  I  had  seen  him  in 
weariness,  and  painfulness,  and  watchings,  spending  and  be- 
ing  spent,  if  by  any  means  he  might  win  souls  to  Christ.  I 
suggested  to  him  his  labors,  and  the  singular  usefulness  of  his 
ministry,  especially  within  the  last  two'years  :  he  would  still 
reply,  '  no  thanks  to  me,  no  thanks  to  me.  I  see  it  so  diffe- 
rent now,  as  if  I  had  done  just  nothing.  I  see  nothing  but 
neglect  and  duties  left  undone.'  I  could  not  help  reflecting  on 
the  different  aspect  things  must  have  when  eternity  is  opening 
upon  us. 

"  He  was  considerably  cheered  soon  after  this  by  the  pros- 

pect  of  Mr.  H  becoming  his  curate  ;  it  seemed  to  revive 

him  ;  he  lost  sight  of  other  troubles  in  the  thought  that  his 
church  would  be  well  supplied. 

"  He  often  recurred  to  Henry's  residence  at  college,  and 
talked  of  his  fears  for  his  dear  boy  till  he  was  quite  spent. 
He  would  say  "  I  have  seen  the  ruin  of  so  many  promising 
youths  by  a  college  life,  and  those  apparently  as  amiable  and 
pious  as  my  own  dear  child.  I  know  the  difficulty  of  main- 
taining  spiritual  religion  at  Cambridge.  Even  studies  which 
are  in  themselves  lawful,  and  which  he  ought  to  pursue,  have 
a  tendency  to  weaken  piety,  and  interrupt  private  devotion. 
Christ  has  often  been  crucified  between  classics  and  mathema- 
tics, I  wish  him  to  be  diligent  in  his  studies,  but  the  Bible  is 
the  proper  library  for  a  young  man  entering  into  the  church. 


EDV.   LEGH  EICHMOND. 


345 


If. he  does  but  understand  the  Bible  experimentally,  I  shall  be 
content,  ijid  him,  F — ,  to  bo  very  careful  of  his  companions, 
that  they  be  i'ew,  and  more  advanced  in  religion  than  liimself; 
and  particularly  that  he  attends  Mr.  S— 's  ministry.  It  cheers 
my  heart,  that  there  is  such  a  ministry  at  Cambridge.  Be 
sure  you  talk  to  him  about  these  things.  Warn  him  of  declen- 
sions,  and  against  sacrificing  religion  to  the  desire  of  distinc- 
lion.  That  dear  boy,  and  his  approaching  trials,  are  never 
out  of  my  thoughs;  I  think  of  him  by  day,  and  dream  of 
him  by  night.' 

"  We  found  in  his  desk  a  sheet  of  paper  on  which  was 
written  •  Cambridge  documents.'  These  were  directions  for 
Henry,  but  not  finished.  He  had  often  expressed  a  great  de. 
sire  to  see  a  son  in  the  church,  ready  to  take  his  place.  *  If  I 
might  but  hear  a  true  gospel  sermon  from  one  of  my  children, 
I  should  die  in  peace.'  On  another  occasion,  he  expressed 
great  delight  that  his  young  friend  C.  H —  visited  the  poor, 
and  said,  '  you  must  recommend  this  to  Henry,  as  the  very 
best  preparation  for  the  ministry.  Try,  my  dear  F — ,  to  keep 
him  up  to  it.  Tell  him  his  poor  father  learnt  his  most  valua- 
ble lessons  for  the  ministry,  and  his  most  useful  espehence  in 
religion,  in  the  poor  man's  cottage.' 

•'The  last  time  he  spoke  to  me  on  personal  religion  he  en- 
deavored to  establish  my  mind  in  the  doctrine  of  assurance, 
and  enlarged  on  its  importance,  and  its  tendency  to  promote 
both  comfort  and  obedience.  He  pointed  to  Archbishop 
Leighton  as  my  pattern  :  ^  See  how  holily  and  lovingly  that 
man  walked  with  God,  because  he  believed  that  his  salvation 
was  safe  and  settled,  that  he  was  chosen  in  Christ.  Try,  my 
dear  child,  to  expand  your  views  ;  look  at  the  magnificent 
scheme  of  salvation — the  contract  between  the  Father  and 
his  eternal  Son.  How  much  better  to  look  out  of  self,  and 
see  all  perfected  in  Christ.  You  will  never  be  happy  and 
strong,  till  you  grasp  the  covenant  plan  of  redemption.  You 
live  upon  self  too  much  :  you  will  get  misery  and  despair,  but 
nothing  else,  by  looking  to  yourself.  Live  upon  Christ ;  he 
has  done  all  for  you,  if  you  could  but  believe  it.' 

"  Of  the  last  sermons  I  read  to  him,  one  was  entitled, 
*Hope  amidst  Billows,'  the  other  'The  Believer  a  Hero.' 
This  last  I  read  twice  to  him  ;  and  he  expressed  much  delight 
in  listening  to  it.  It  seemed  to  suit  the  state  of  his  mind,  and 
corresponded  with  his  own  sentiments.  At  one  part  of  the 
sermon  he  stopped  me  that  he  might  meditate  on  what/iie 
heard,  and  then  he  said,  '  Read  it  again.'  It  seemed  to  cheer 
30 


346 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


his  mind.  When  I  had  finished  it,  *This,'  said  he,  '  exactly 
expresses  what  I  would  say  to  you  ;  that  is  just  my  senti- 
ment ;'  and  he  told  me  to  turn  down  the  leaf,  that  he  might 
show  it  to  mamma.  I  have  copied  tiie  passage  ;  it  appears  to 
me  very  beautiful,  and  is  greatly  endeared  to  me,  as  having 
comforted  my  dear  father  a  few  days  only  before  his  death. 

"  '  The  fear  of  God  is  not  a  perplexing,  doubting,  and  dis- 
trust of  his  love  :  on  the  contrary,  it  is  a  fixed  resting  and 
trust  in  liis  love.  Many  who  have  some  truth  of  grace,*  are, 
through  weakness,  filled  with  disquieting  fears  ;  but,  possibly 
though  they  preceive  it  not,  it  may  be  in  some  a  point  ofwilful- 
ness,  a  little  latent  undiscerned  afi'ectation  of  scrupling  and 
doubting,  placing  much  of  religion  in  it.  True,  where  the 
soul  is  really  solicitous  about  its  interest  in  God,  that  argues 
Fome  grace  ;  but  being  vexingiy  anxious  about  it,  argues  that 
grace  is  v>'eak  and  low.  A  spark  there  is,  even  discovered 
by  that  smoke  ;  but  the  great  smoke  still  continuing,  and  no- 
thing seen  but  it,  argues  there  is  little  fire,  little  faith,  little 
love.  And  this  as  it  is  unpleasant  to  thyself,  so  it  is  to  God, 
as  smoke  to  the  eyes.  VVhat  if  one  should  be  always  ques. 
tioning  with  a  friend,  whether  he  loved  him  or  not,  and  upon 
every  little  occasion  were  ready  to  think  he  doth  not,  how 
would  they  disrelish  their  society  together,  though  truly  lov- 
ing each  other.  The  far  more  excellent  way,  and  more  plea- 
sing both  to  ourselves  and  to  God,  wc:e  to  resolve  on  humble 
trust,  reverence,  and  confidence,  being  most  afraid  to  offend, 
delighting  to  walk  in  his  ways,  loving  him  and  his  will  in  all ; 
and  then  resting  persuaded  of  his  love,  though  he  chastise  us, 
And  even  though  we  offend  him,  and  see  our  offences  in  our 
chastisements,  yet  he  is  good,  plenteous  in  redemption,  ready 
to  forgive  ;  therefore  let  Israel  hope  and  trust.  Let  my  soul 
roll  itself  on  him,  and  adventure  there  all  its  weight.  He 
bears  greater  matters,  upholding  the  frame  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  is  not  troubled  nor  burdened  with  it.' 

^' Three  days  after,  he  asked  me  to  read  one  of  Newton's 
letters,  from  the  volume  entitled  '  The  Aged  Pilgrim's  Tri- 
umph.'  He  listened  to  me  with  interest,  but  did  not  speak, 
except  to  thank  me. 

"  When  his  meals  were  brought  to  him,  he  used  to  clasp 
his  wasted  hands,  and  ask  a  blessing.  '  I  thank  thee,  heavenly 
I'ather,  for  these  undeserved  mercies  to  such  an  unworthy  sin- 

**'liis  is  tlie  expression  used  in  tlie  ori2;iiial.  It  is  equivalent  to  saying, — 
"Mtiny  who  are  not  without  a  measure  of  true  grace,"  &c. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


347 


ner.'  There  may  be  nothing  more  in  the  words  than  any 
other  Christian  would  utter  ;  but  the  humility  and  reverence 
of  his  manner  deeply  affected  us. 

"Nearly  the  whole  of  Good  Friday  he  sat  in  a  solemn 
prayerful  meditation,  with  that  exquisite  print  of  Guido's  be- 
fore him,  the  head  of  our  Saviour  crowned  with  thorns.  His 
attention  seemed  riveted  on  it,  but  he  said  nothing. 

"  On  Easter  Sunday  the  sacrament  was  administered  at 
the  church.  This  day  he  regarded  with  peculiar  reverence, 
and  some  new  converts  generally  partook  of  the  sacred  ordi- 
nance at  this  time,  whom  he  had  been  preparing  during  the 
past  year.  The  delight  with  which  he  gave  them  these'em- 
blems  of  the  bodv  and  blood  of  Christ  was  ver\-  uncommon.  It 
would  cheer  his  spirits  for  weeks.  This  was  the  first  Easter 
Sunday  during  his  residence  at  Turvey  that  he  had  been  pre- 
vented from  joining  his  church,  and  commemorating  the  re- 
surrection of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  and  he  seemed  to  feel  the 
privation  deeply.  Betbre  v,  e  went  to  church,  he  told  us  to  re- 
member him  at  the  table,  and  he  would  join  the  communion  of 
the  saints  in  his  study.  He  said,  '  I  shall  look  at  my  watch, 
and  mark  the  exact  time  and  read  the  service,  that  I  may  be 
one  with  you  in  the  fellowship  of  the  redeemed.'  On  our  re- 
turn  we  saw  the  prayer-book  open  before  him,  and  he  was 
still  intent  on  the  communion  service.  He  looked  up  with 
great  composure  in  his  countenance,  and  said,  '  I  have  fol- 
lowed you  in  every  sentence,  and  I  think  I  may  say,  I  have 
indeed  been  with  you  and  enjoyed  a  su  eet  communion.' 

"  He  had  a  great  dislike  to  keep  his  bed  ;  and  I  cannot 
but  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God,  that  it  was  not  neces- 
sary. He  rose  every  day,  to  the  last,  and  sat  as  usual  in 
his  study  :  only  getting  up  a  little  later,  and  going  to  bed 
earlier,  as  his  strength  gradually  failed  him.  The  last  fort- 
night  he  was  very  silent,  and  appeared  constantly  in  prayer 
and  meditation — waiting  his  dismissal,  and  the  end  of  his 
earthly  pilgrimage.  At  this  time  nothing  seemed  to  disturb 
him,  and  he  appeared  to  realize  the  full  import  of  that  blessed 
promise,  'Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind 
is  stayed  on  thee.'  I  have  often  thought  he  exemplified  the 
faith  his  favourite  Leighton  commends — '  Let  thy  soul  roll  it- 
self on  God,  and  adventure  there  all  its  weight.'  It  was  indeed 
an  unspeakable  delight  to  us  to  observe  the  unruffled  calm  of 
his  soul ;  and  it  confirmed  our  minds  in  the  truth  and  value 
of  the  doctrines  he  had  taught  for  thirty  years.  We  had 
seen  our  beloved  father  prostrate  in  soul  before  God,  under 


348 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


a  consciousness  of  iniiwellingsin  ;  we  had  heard  him  beiriQan- 
ing  himself,  after  a  long  life  of  usefulness,  as  an  unprofitable 
servant,  renouncing  again  and  again  all  hope  of  salvation  by 
his  own  goodness,  and  fleeing  to  Jesus  as  his  only  refuge.  To 

use  his  words  to  C.  H  ,  '  It  is  only  by  coming  to  Chijet 

as  a  little  child,  and  as  for  tlie  first  time,  that  I  can  get  peace.' 
Yet,  though  for  a  time  perplexed,  he  was  not  forsaken.  We 
saw  him  comforted  of  God,  and  proving  v.'hat  he  had  often 
said  to  me — *  Christ  has  firm  hold  of  you,  however  feeble  j^our 
grasp  of  him  ;'  and  now  we  saw  him  strong  in  faith,  and  in 
the  last  hour  of  dissolving  nature,  rejoice  in  the  sure  and  cer- 
tain hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  He  did  indeed  find,  to  use  the 
dying  words  of  my  beloved  brother,  'the  rest  that  Christ  gives 
is  sweet.'  He  was  sileat,  hut  it  w^as  a  most  expressive  si- 
lence,  and  revealed  emotions  of  joy  and  praise  not  to  be  de- 
scribed. Many  touching  circumstances  occurred,  which 
showed  both  the  man  and  the  Christian  ;  but  they  are  of  too 
delicate  a  nature  to  be  communicated  beyond  the  circle  of  his 
own  family. 

"  Two  days  before  his  death,  he  received  a  letter,  mention- 
ing the  conversion  6f  two  persons  (one  of  whom  was  a  clergy, 
man,)  by  the  perusal  of  his  tract, '  The  Dairyman's  Daughter.* 
When  the  letter  was  given  hi?n  he  seemed  too  feeble  to  open 
it  himself,  and  desired  Henry  to«re?.d  it  to  him.  The  con- 
tents deeply  interested  him.  He  raised  himself  in  his.chair, 
lifted  up  his  hand,  and  then  let  it  fall  down  again,  while  he 
repeatedly  shook  his  head.  His  manner  spoke  the  greatest 
hum.iliiy,  as  if  he  would  say — *  How  unworthy  of  such  ho- 
nor !'  For  a  few  minutes  it  seemed  to  administer  a  cordial  to 
his  fainting  spirit,  and  led  our  minds,  in  reference  to  our  dear 
father,  to  contemplate  Xhc  near  fulfilment  of  that  promise, 
'  They  that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  shall  shine  as  the 
stars  forever  and  ever.' 

"  On  Tuesday,  the  8th  of  May,  he  rose  later  than  usual : 
I  think  it  was  twelve  before  he  got  into  the  study  ;  and  he 
was  so  weak,  that  he  had  great  dilTiculty  m  walking  there 
from  his  bed. room.  His  breath  was  short,  and  he  looked 
verv  pale,  but  he  said  he  felt  no  pain.  He  sat  on  his  read- 
ing. chair,  with  his  head  resting  on  a  pillow  :  his  countenance 
and  manner  were  ealm  and  peaceful.  In  the  afternoon  he 
could  scarcely  support  himself ;  and'  I  kneeled  on  a  chair  be- 
hind him,  and  he  laid  his  head  on  my  shoulder.  Once  he 
seemed  to  be  fainting,  but  he  soon  revived  ;  and  looking 
calmly  at  me  he  said,  *  Better  now,  lave/ 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


"  Mamma  could  no  longer  stay  in  the  room,  and  I  was  left 
alone  with  him  till  five.  He  still  said  nothing,  except  to 
assure  me  he  felt  no  pain.  To  the  very  last,  it  appeared 
to  be  his  great  desire  to  spare  our  teelings.  We  now  per- 
suaded him  to  go  to  bed,  but  we  little  thought  death  was  so 
near.  He  could  not  walk,  and  we  were  going  to  ring  for  a 
servant  to  assist  him  ;  but  he  said,  •  I  should  like  Henry  to 
carry  me.'  He  was  wasted  to  a  skeleton  :  Henry  took  him 
up  with  great  ease,  and  we  all  followed.  I  shall  never  forget 
this  most  affecting  moment  :  if  was  a  moment  of  anguish  to 
me,  more  than  the  last  scene.  He  seemed  to  know  that  he 
was  leaving  the  study,  never  to  return  to  it  ;  his  look  told  me 
that  he  knew  it.  This  was  his  favorite  room,  where  for  more 
than  twenty  years  he  had  constantly  carried  on  his  pursuits. 
There  he  had  written  his  books — studied  his  sermons — in- 
structed his  children — conversed  with  his  flock,  and  otfered 
daily  sacrifice  of  praise  and  prayer.  I  watched  him,  as  Henr\- 
carried  him  out :  his  countenance  preserved  the  same  look  ot^ 
fixed  composure.  He  raised  his  head  and  gave  one  search- 
ing look  round  the  room,  on  his  books — his  table — his  chair 
— his  wife — his  children  ; — and  then  the  door  closed  on  him 
for  ever  !  He  gave  the  same  look  round  the  gallery  through 
which  we  passed,  as  if  he  was  bidding  farewdl  to  every  thing. 
There  was  a  peculiar  expression  in  his  countenance,  which  I 
cannot  describe  ;  it  seemed  to  say,  '  Behold  I  die,  but  God  will 
be  with  you  !*  Henry  seated  him  in  a  chair,  and  he  sat  to 
be  undressed,  like  a  little  dependent  chiid,  in  deep  silence, 
but  without  the  ruifling  of  a  feature. 

*'  About  nine,  he  seemed  rather  wandering,  and  made  an 
effort  to  speak,  but  we  could  not  make  out  his  meaning  :  only 
we  perceived  he  was  thinking  of  his  church,  for  we  heard 
him  say  several  times, '  It  will  be  all  confusion  !*  Mamma  ask- 
ed him  what  would  be  cont^usion.  '  The  church  I  There  will 
be  such  confusion  in  my  church  !' 

"  About  ten  o'clock,  he  signified  to  mamma,  in  the  gen- 
tlest  whisper,  that  he  wished  to  be  left  alone — to  send  us  all 
away,  and  draw  the  curtains  round  him  ! 

*'  About  half  past  ten,  Mrs.  G.,  the  kind  and  taithful  nurse 
of  Willy,  tapped  at  my  door.  I  was  reading  the  Bible,  and  had 
just  reached  that  verse, '  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers 
of  them  who  through  taith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises. 
I  have  thought  the  coincidence  remarkable,  at  least  I  trust 
it  will  ever  give  a  quickening  influence  to  that  passage,  when 
I  read  it.  She  told  me  to  come  and  look  at  mv  father.  She 
30^ 


350 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


said,  she  could  hardly  tell  whether  there  w&b  any  change  or 
not.  J  hurried  to  him.  He  raised  hia  eyes  to  heaven,  and 
then  closed  them.  I  put  my  cheek  upon  his  ;  and  1  believe 
at  that  instant  I  felt,  for  I  could  not  hear,  his  dying  sigh.  I 
thought  he  was  sleeping,  and  continued  looking  at  him,  till 
Hannah  said,  '  Your  dear  papa  is  in  heaven.'  I  did  not  think 
him  dead  ;  and  I  rubbed  his  still  warm  hands,  and  kissed  his 
pale  cheek,  and  entreated  him  to  speak  one  word  to  me  ;  but 
I  soon  found  it  was  the  silence  of  death.  All  turned  to  poor 
mamma,  who  was  insensible  ;  and  I  was  thus  left  alone  with 
my  dear  father,  kneeling  beside  him,  with  his  hand  in  mine- 
The  same  holy  calm  sat  on  his  countenance,  and  seemed  to 
say — '  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  hath  given  me  the  victory  '/ 
"  The  scene  that  followed  was  truly  afJlictive,  The  grief 
of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  was  unchecked  :  for  he  who 
had  always  comforted  thenx,  and  bid  them  kiss  the  rod,  wnf^ 
no  longer  with  them.  The  contrast  between  the  after-scene 
of  Wilberforce's  and  our  beloved  parent's  death  was  peculiv- 
iy  affecting  to  me.  When  my  brother  died,  my  father  assem- 
bled us  together,  to  implore  resignation  and  offer  praise, 
but  when  he  himself  departed,,  all  seemed  gone.  There  was- 
noone  to  collect  us;  and  we  were  scattered  in  wild  sorrowv 
with  a  feeling  of*  desolation  which  was  quite  unutterable. 

We  cannot,  we  ought  not  to  forget  such  a  father.  Yea.. 
I  would  add,  '  when  1  forget  thee,  may  my  right  hand  forget 
her  cunning.' 

"  The  hand  of  God  has  gone  out  against  us — yet  *  the  seed 
of  the  righteous  is  not  forsaken.'  He  has  cut  off  the  *  stream 
which  made  us  glad,' — but  praised  be  his  name,  he  invites 
us  to  the  '  living  fountain,'  where  our  souls  may  drink  and  be 
satisfied.  Believe  me,  my  dear  Mrs.  F.,  yoiir  verv  alfection.^ 
ate,  "  '     F.  R." 

Mt.  Richmond  departed,  Tuesday,  May  8,  1827.  The 
Editor  arrived  from  abroad  four  days  after  the  above  event. 
If  is  impossible  to  express  the  shock  inflicted  on  his  feeling? 
by  this  painful  intelligence, which  v/as  the  more  distressing 
as  it  was  wholly  unexpected,  and  unmitigated  by  a  parting 
interview.  It  seemed  as  if  he  had  just  returned  to  perform 
the  last  solemn  duty ! 

Mr.  Richmond  was  buried  in  the  church  of  Turvey,  and 
in  the  same  vault  which  contained  the  remains  of  his  beloved 
Wilberforce,  and  of  two  infant,  sons.    The  affecting  circum^ 


REV.  LEGII  RICHMOND, 


351 


stances  of  the  funeral  are  thus  described  by  a  friend,  who  was 
a  spec}ator  of  the  mournful  scene : — 

I  was  hastening  to  witness  the  sad  obsequies  of  this  ex* 
cellent  man  ;  the  bell  tolled  heavily,  and  seemed  to  smite  on 
my  ear  with  more  than  ordinary  solemnity.  Sorrow  was  de- 
picted on  every  countenance,  and  the  mourners  crossed  my 
path  at  every  step.  Even  the  aged  and  the  sick,  who  had 
long  heard  trom  his  lips  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  crept 
out  of  their  cottages,  resting  on  their  crutches,  or  leaning  on 
the  arm  of  friendship,  to  gaze  on  the  mournful  cavalcade, 
and  weep  over  their  melancholy  bereavement. 

"  Every  eye  exhibited  the  struggle  of  feeling,  and  spoke 
more  for  the  memory  of  the  deceased  than  volumes  written  in 
his  praise.  Multitudes  from  the  neighboring  villages,  and 
many  from  remoter  places,  were  attracted  to  (he  spot,  and 
came  to  pay  their  tribute  of  affection  to  the  memory  of  one 
with  v,  hose  name  they  had  long  associated  feelings  of  re- 
spect and  esteem.  The  members  of  the  men's  club  established 
by  Mr.  Richmond  at  Turvey,  had  assembled  with  their  long 
wands,  clothed  in  mourning,  and  formed  a  double  line  from 
the  rectory  to  the  church  porch.  Through  this  avenue' the 
body  was  borne,  without  interruption  from  the  crowds  of 
spectators.  It  was  carried  by  six  bearers,  and  the  pall  was 
held  by  llie  same  number  of  clergymen  from  the  neighbor- 
hood, whose  countenances,  marked  with  profound  sorrow, 
seemed  to  say,  'alas!  my  brother!'  There  followed  as 
mourners,  the  family — the  more  respectable  of  the  parishion- 
ers— the  communicants — the  friendly  societies  of  yourig  and 
old — the  Sunday  and  day  schools — and  a  long  train  of  the 
poor,  n  ith  many  strangers  who  were  present  on  the  occasion. 
The  men's  club  joined  the  procession  as  it  passed  along  ;  and 
the  whole  presented  to  my  eye  the  most  affecting  picture  of 
deep  and  sincere  sorrow  I  ever  witnessed.' 

"•The  service  was  read,  at  the  request  of  the  famil}^,  by 
Mr.  Grimshawe,  who  delivered  an  address  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  funeral,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  the  parish- 
ioners, and  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of  the  deceased 
rector." 

The  following  Sunday,  a  sermon  was  preached  at  Turvey 
church,  on  the  occasion,  by  the  Rev.  T.  Fry,  rector  of  Em- 
berton, to  an  overflowing  congregation.  So  great  was  the 
number  of  persons  that  attended,  that  many  went  away,  un- 
able to  procure  admittance.    Not  only  was  every  space  in  the 


352 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


church  and  the  chancels  occupied,  but  the  marble  monuments 
were  covered  with  people,  and  even  the  large  beams  which 
supported  the  roof.  Mr.  Richmond,  some  years  before  his  de- 
cease,  had  selected  a  passage  of  Scripture  ;  and  Mr.  Fry,  in 
compliance  with  the  wishes  of  his  friend,  took  his  text  from 
Ro?nans  vii,  24,  25.  '  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall 
deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.'* 

The  following  testimony,  from  Mrs.  Richmond  to  the  do- 
mestic character  and  virtues  of  her  excellent  husband,  is  too 
honorable  to  both  parties  not  to  excite  the  interest  of  the 
r'eader  by  its  insertion. 

"  Dear  Sir, — Allow  me  to  assure  you  of  the  unfeigned  sa- 
tisfaction which  I  feel  in  addressing  you  as  the  biographer  of 
my  late  most  dear  and  lamented  husband. 

"  That  tiie  task  has  devolved  on  you,  who  were  better  ac- 
quainted than  most  others  with  the  qualities  of  him  whom  you 
so  justly  loved  and  valued,  is  a  melancholy  pleasure,  connect- 
ed with  my  afflictive  bereavement. 

"  The  confidential  and  affectionate  intercourse,  which  for 
so  many  years  subsisted  between  you,  afforded  numerous  and 
varied  opportunities  for  making  a  just  estimate  of  his  charac- 
ter :  and  I  feel  full  confidence  that  you  will  be  faithful  in  your 
own  observations  on  this  honored  servant  of  the  sanctuary. 

"  To  hi?n  indeed,  it  is  a  thing  of  nought ; — his  witness  is  in 
heaven,  and  his  record  is  on  high.  But  to  those  whom  he  has 
left  behind  in  this  vale  of  tears,  it  is,  I  think,  a  lawful  source 
of  anxiety  and  interest,  that  'his  name  should  be  had  in  re- 
membrance.' 

His  public  character  you  had  more  frequent  and  diversi- 
fied means  of  appreciating  than  I  had.  But  in  the  private 
and  family  circle,  it  may  naturally  be  supposed  that  to  myself 
he  was  best  known. 

"  In  the  endeared  relations  of  husband  and  father,  those 
only  knew  his  value  who  are  now  left  to  deplore  his  loss.  The 
honored  but  unworthy  partner  of  his  weal  and  wo  can  bear 
grateful  testimony  how  truly  he  fulfilled  the  apostolic  injunc- 
tion of  loving  his  wife  :  how  patiently  he  bore  with  her  infir- 
mities, and  with  what  tenderness  of  mind  and  refinement  of 
feeling,  he  manifested  the  daily  recurring  instances  of  his  af- 
fectionate and  devoted  attachment. 

*  Sermons  were  preached  in  the  neighborhood  by  the  editor  and  other  cler- 
gymen the  succeeding  Sunday. 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMOND. 


353 


"  The  subject  is  sacred  and  delicate,  and  my  pencil  might 
be  thought  to  color  too  highly  ;  but  on  my  own  heart  is  inde- 
libly impressed  the  fond  remembrance  of  what  he  was  to  me — 
a  remembrance  which  death  only  can  efface  ;  and  which  I 
humbly  hope  will  be  renewed,  with  increased  powers  of  re- 
collection, when  I  shall  have  come  out  of  this  great  tribula- 
tion,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  made  meet  for 
the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 

*'  Nevertheless,  I  feel  myself  called  upon  to  offer  the  tri- 
bute  of  my  heart's  best  effusions  of  gratitude,  for  a  continued 
course  of  connubial  felicity,  enjoyed  by  few  to  the  same  ex- 
tent. To  him  I  was  indebted  for  thirty  years  of  domestic 
happiness,  from  the  recollections  of  Avhich,  *  visions  of  past 
enjoyment  rise,  in  long  and  bright  array  ;'  while  I  am  pain- 
fully  reminded  that  they  are  joys  departed;  for,  '  in  the  for- 
saken tomb,  the  form  beloved  is  laid  !' 

"  In  how  many  instances  did  he  cast  the  mantle  of  love 
over  my  deficiencies  and  short-cominffs  !  and  when  he  might 
have  been  '  much  bold  in  Christ,  to  enjoin  me  that  which  is 
convenient  ;  yet,  for  love's  sake  he  rather  besought  me.' 

"  But  it  is  as  a  candidate  for  heaven  that  I  supremely  feel 
my  obligations  to  my  departed  husband.  Here  the  dispenser 
and  the  possessor  of  all  earthly  joys  must  have  their  close; — 
Here  all  sublunary  bliss  must  cease  f  But  there,  mortality 
shall-  put  on  immortality ;  and  the  pleasures  at  God's  right 
hand  are  for  evermore.  To  his  instrumentality  I  owe  the 
hope  never-ending  happiness  ;  and  I  rejoice  in  the  blessed 
prospect,  that  from  having  been  fellow-pilgrims  on  earth,  we 
shall  be  fellow-heirs  of  glory  in  heaven.  And  if  celestial 
happiness  can  be  increased  by  the  reunion  of  terrestrial  ob- 
jects  of  atfeclion,  mine  must  receive  addition  trom  again  be- 
holding him.  The  anticipation  cheers  my  widowed  heart. 
Oh  !  that  we  may  again  meet,  *  with  our  old  and  with  our 
young,  with  our  sons  and  with  our  daughters.' 

As  a  father,  he  possessed  a  tenderness  and  sweetness  of 
affection  almost  peculiar  to  himself.  How  does  my  heart  now 
thrill,  while  I  recall  the  affectionate  and  parental  emotions 
with  which  he  took  each  new-born  babe  in  his  arms  ;  and  like 
Simeon  of  old,  blessed  it  !  Those  prayers  were  registered 
in  heaven,  they  have  descended  in  blessings  on  his  children, 
and  they  are  yet  'the  portion  and  inheritance  for  them,  in  their 
Father's  house:'  a  bequest  more  precious  than  silver  and  gold, 
I  doubt  not  that  those  prayers  were  accepted  for  the  Saviour's 
sake;  and  the  surviving  parent  adds  her  petition — '  Therefore, 


354 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


now  let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that 
it  may  continue  for  ever  before  thee  :  with  thy  blessing  let 
the  house  of  thy  servant  be  blessed  for  ever.' 

"  In  portraying  the  general  character  of  my  dear  husband, 
his  peculiarly  prominent  feature  of  henevolence  shonX^  be 
specially  noticed  ;  for  he  possessed  it  in  the  most  extended 
and  comprehensive  meaning  of  the  word. 

"It  was  a  universal  kindness  and  good-will,  best  described 
by  the  charity  which  '  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things, 
hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things.  A  charity  which  never 
failed.'  There  were  occasions  when,  according  to  man's 
wisdom,  this  virtue  might  have  been  and  was  thought  to  par- 
take of  the  works  of  supererogation.  And  certain  it  is,  that 
in  some  instances,  the  unsuspecting  simplicity  of  his  dispo- 
sition  subjected  him  to  consequences  which  fully  proved  that 
the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their  generation  than 
the  children  of  light! 

"  But  he  was  ever  mindful  of  the  admonition,  '  never  inir 
pute  a  bad  motive  to  any  one,  while  you  can  find  a  good  one.' 

"  The  motto  which  encircled  his  heart  was,  '  glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men.' 

"  This  was  his  Christian  badge  ;  nor  can  I  recollect  a  sin- 
gle instance  in  which  he  ever  laid  it  aside.  '  Speak  not  evil 
one  of  another,'  was  a  very  remarkable  characteristic  of  my 
beloved  husband.  With  David  he  said,  'I  will  take  heed  to 
my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue.'  He  appeared 
never  to  lose  sight  of  this  caution,  nor  did  he  ever  fail  to 
check  the  forgetfulness  of  it  in  others  when  occasion  required. 

"  His  dw7i  breast  was  the  sacred  depository  of  any  event, 
circumstances,  or  communication  which  cast  reproach  upon 
the  church,  or  on  individuals.  And  that  with  a  conviction, 
founded  upon  the  sure  word  of  God,  that  *  the  tongue  is  an 
unruly  evil.' 

"You,  dear  sir,  need  not  be  informed  of  his  unwearied 
labors  of  love,  when  publicly  engaged  in  the  cause  of  God. 
You  well  know  that  he  counted  no  personal  sacrifice  too  dear, 
so  that  he  might  win  souls  to  Christ. 

"  Were  any  tempted  to  think  that  he  robbed  his  own  to 
enrich  others,  and  that  enthusiasm  carried  him  too  often  and 
too  far  from  kindred  ties,  and  from  the  appointed  flock  over 
which  God  had  made  him  overseer  ?  Let  wife,  children,  and 
flock,  separately  and  unitedly  declare,  without  partiality  and 
without  hypocrisy,  what  was  the  spirit  in  which  he  returned 
among  them.    Was  it  not  invariably  *  in  the  fulness  of  the 


REV.   LEGII  RICHMOND. 


355 


gospel  of  peace,'  replenished  with  fresh  arguments  for  eacli, 
that  '  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all  guile,  and  hypocrisies, 
and  envying,  and  all  evil-speakings  ;  denying  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly 
in  this"  present  evil  world  ;  laying  up  in  store  a  good  founda- 
tion against  the  time  to  come.'  How  animating  were  the 
details  which  he  gave  of  his  progress  through  the  varied 
scenes  of  his  pilgrimage,  and  how  calculated  to  impress  the 
conviction,  that  the  love  of  Christ  constrained  him  ! 

"Nor  let  it  be  supposed  that  the  breath  of  fame  kindled  in 
his  bosom  any  desires  at  variance  with  the  duties  of  that  more 
confined  sphere  in  whjch  he  was  permanently  stationed.  I 
always  considered  his  missionary  labors  as  productive  of  fresh 
energies  for  the  discharge  of  his  parochial  duties. 

"  Instant  in  season,  out  of  season,  he  preached  the  word 
with  invigorating  power  and  demonstration  of  the  spirit. 
Giving  all  diligence  to  add  to  his  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue 
knowledge,  ar.d  to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  temperance 
patience,  and  to  patience  godliness,  and  to  godliness  brother- 
ly kindness,  and  to  brotherly  kindness  charity.'  These  things 
being  in  him,  and  abounding,  they  made  him,  that  he  v/as 
'neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.' 

"  But  his  days  are  accomplished  :  he  rests  from  his  labors. 
He  is  now  become  a  citizen  of  Zion,  ansv.'erable  to  the  de- 
scription of  David,  '  Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  ? 
Who  shall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill  ?  He  that  walketh  uprightly, 
and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh  the  truth  from  his 
heart.'  And  having  joined  the  hundred  forty  and  four  thou- 
sand, in  concert  he  proclaims, '  not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us, 
by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ.' 

"It  might  naturally  have  been  expected,  that  the  horizon 
around  this  setting  sun  would  have  been  gilded  with  many  a 
bright,  though  departing  ray  ;  and  that  he  would  have  winged 
his  flight  to  glory,  commencing  the  hallelujahs  on  earth,  so 
soon  to  be  attuned  to  harps  of  gold  in  heaven  : — that  finding 
the  end  of  all  things  was  at  hand,  he  would  have  spoken  '  as 
the  oracles  of  God, — declaring  that  he  had  not  followed  cun- 
ningly devised  fables,  when  he  made  known  the  power  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  That  such  was  not  the  case,  can,  I  think, 
be  best  accounted  for  by  those  who  have  most  cause  to  mourn 
the  deprivation. 


MKIdOlRS  OF  TEia 


"  The  feelings  of  ihe  husband  and  the  jfaf^r  were  ioo  sen ^ 
silive  for  the  weakened  frame,  which  shrunk  from  llie  excite- 
ment to  be  apprehended  from  any  .  direct  allusion  to  the 
mournful  event  which  was  about  lo  rend  asunder  a  link  so 
strongly  uniting  the  family  chain.  This  was  the  bitterness 
of  death.  For  his  own  soul,-  he  had  long  committed  it  to  the 
keeping  of  God,  in  well-doing,  as  unto  a  faithful  Creator; 
but  he  would  no!  hazard  an  interruption  to  the  peaceful  calm 
with  which  he  anticipated  his  dismissal  from  the  body.  He 
saw  the  restrained  anguish  of  my  heart,  and  forbore  to  probe  ^ 
the  wound,  which  ]ie  }inew  was  rankling.  This  it  .was  that 
imposed  silence.  .       ,  •   •  # 

A  more  tranquil  departure  could  neither  have  been  wished 
nor  granted.  Every  tumult  was  hushed. — all  was  serene, — 
death  had  lost  its  sting,  for  he  had  gained  the  victory  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  With  the  utmost  composure,  he  put 
his  house  in  order,  feeling  that  he  must  die,  and  not  live.  Th€ 
placidity  of  his  "  countenance  expressed  the  peace  within, 
speaking  more  than  words  could  have  done  ;  '  and  now,  Lord, 
what  wait  I  for  ?  truly  my  hope  is  even  in  thee.'  Can  I  ever 
forget  the  morning  of  that  day  which  closed  upon  me  as  a 
widow  (oh!  word  of  sorrow)  and  desolate?  With  what  pjBj^ 
phetic  earnestness  did  he  pronounce  the  assurance,  *  God  will 
never  leave  you,  nor  forsake  you  !  It  is  impossible  P 

"  This  may  be  said  to  have  been  his  parting  benediction. 
For  though  some  lew  hours  more  did  elapse,  before  the  de- 
parture  of  the  spirit  to  God  who  gave  it,  yet  the.  powers  of 
nature  were  so  exhausted,  that  briefly  reminding  me  '  how 
merciful  the  Lord  has  been  to  us  for  many  years,'  and  with  a 
short  exhortation  to  resignation,  he  continued  in  silent  com- 
posure, waiting  the  arrival  of  the  heavenly  convoy,  to  be  ush- 
ered into  the  presence  of  Him  whom,  not  haying  seen,  he 
ioved— ^and  whom  now  beholding,  and  knowing  even  as  he 
is  known,  he  falls  down  and  worships  ;  uniting  with  the  in- 
numerable company  of  angels,  the  spirits  of  just  nien  made 
perfect,  and  the  multitude  which  no  man  can  number,  in  sing, 
ing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb.  '  Mark  the  upright  man, 
and  behold  the  perfect  ;  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.* 

*'  Such  was  my  beloved  husband,  in  life  and  in  death. 
What  he  is  in  glory,  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  nei- 
Uicr  hath  entered  into  the  heart  to  conceive. 

'Tliu?  much  {a.id        is  all)  we  know, — 

He  issiiprpinely  hleft; 
Has  (lone  wiili  siii,  aiid  care,  and  wo, 
Aud  willi  his  (Saviour  r.sts.' 


REV.  LEGH  RICHXOXD. 


357 


*•  In  giving  this  transcript,  dear  sir,  of  thoughts  so  deeply 
engraven  on  mv  heart,  many  a  pang  has  been  revived.  Me- 
mory retraces  joys  and  sorrows,  each  in  their  turn  a  source  of 
grief.  I  am  painfully  reminded  that  God  '  hath  stripped  me 
of  ray  glory,  and  taken  the  crown  trom  my  head.'  I  see  my- 
self surrounded  by  the  pledges  of  an  ardent  attachment,  and 
I  remember  that  my  children  *are  orphans  and  iatherless — 
their  mother  is  a  widow.'  They  must  set  sail  on  the  ocean  of 
life,  exposed  to  the  chilling  blasts  of  this  inhospitable  clime, 
without  a  pilot  to  warn  them  of  the  rocks  and  quicksands  to 
which  they  will  be  exposed.  The  guide  of  their  youth,  he 
who  would  have  given  to  the  young  man  knowledge  and  dis- 
cretion is  separated  from  them.  How  often  v,  ill  they  have 
need  to  cry  out,  '  My  father,  my  father  I' 

For  myself,  I  am  left  to  travel  the  remainder  of  my  pil- 
grimage solitary  and  alone.  The  bosom  upon  v.hich  I  was 
wont  to  recline,  no  longer  beats  with  affectionate  sympathy, 
responsive  to  my  joys  and  sorrows.  The  evening  of  my  days 
must  close  in  cheerless  solitude  ;  but  the  voice  of  God  is  in 
this  dispensation,  and  it  becomes  me  to  hearken  unto  it.  He 
doth  not  willingly  grieve,  but  says,  'turn  you  at  my  reproof.' 

"  May  the  Lord  '  make  me  to  know  my  transgression  and 
sin.  May  my  soul  keep  it  still  in  remembrance,  and  be  hum- 
bled  in  me.' 

"  '  Who  is  wise,  and  he  shall  understand  these  things  ?  Pru- 
dent, and  he  shall  know  them  ?  For  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are 
right,  and  the  just  shall  walk  in  them.'  I  am,  my  dear  sir, 
yours,  very  truly,  Maey  Richmond." 

We  ieel  extremely  reluctant  to  trespass  on  this  holy 
ground,  or  interrupt  the  train  of  solemn  thought  and  feeling 
which  these  interesting  letters  of  a  beloved  wife  and  an  affec- 
tionate child  must  have  inspired  in  the  minds  of  our  readers. 
Yet  we  cannot  close  this  Memoir  with  satisfaction  to  our- 
selves,  or  justice  to  our  esteemed  friend,  without  noticing  a 
few  of  those  qualities  for  which  he  appears  to  us,  and  to  all 
who  knew  him,  to  have  been  eminently  distinguished. 

The  following  testimonies  from  those  who  possessed  ample 
opportunities  of  forming  a  just  estimate  of  his  character,  are 
at  once  a  faithful  and  honorable  record  both  of  his  public 
and  private  virtues.  They  will  not  be  less  acceptable  for 
being  offered  for  the  most  part  by  men  w  iose  names  are  as- 
sociated  with  the  distinguished  institUiuns  that  adorn  the 
times  in  which  we  live. 
31 


358  MEMOIRS  OF  THE 

"  I  not  only  witnessed,"  says  Dr.  Steinkopff,  "  the  ability 
with  which  he  publicly  advocated  the  cause  of  the  Bible  So- 
ciety, and  the  powerful  and  beneficial  impression  which  his 
addresses  produced  on  numerous  and  highly  respectable  audi- 
ences,  but  I  also  felt  delighted  with  his  Christian  conversa- 
tion. I  saw  him  devoutly  perusing  those  sacred  pages  which 
he  so  effectively  recommended  to  the  attention  of  others,  and 
heard  many  an  edifying  remark  dropping  from  his  lips. 

"  Instead  of  living  to  himself,  he  felt  an  ardent  desire  to 
live  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  Him  who  died  for  him,  and  rose 
again.  He  closely  watched  his  own  heart,  temper,  and  dis- 
position ;  and  often  expressed  himself  in  terms  of  the  most 
unfeigned  humility  and  self-abasement, — renouncing  all  de- 
pendence on  what  he  had  done,  and  relying  exclusively  on  the 
free  grace  of  God  and  the  merits  of  his  adorable  Redeemer. 
In  all  my  interviews  with  him,  I  witnessed  a  serenity  of  mind, 
and  cheerfulness  of  temper,  peculiarly  calculated  to  recom- 
mend the  religion  of  Christ." 

"  By  his  fine  imagination,"  observes  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bick- 
ersteth,  his  devotional  spirit,  his  full  and  copious  flow  of  ex- 
pression, and  his  rich  exhibition  of  the  good  tidings  of  redeem- 
ing grace,  he  interested,  in  a  very  uncommon  degree,  the 
large  assemblies  he  was  accustomed  to  address.  Some  of  his 
most  extemporaneous  addresses  had  a  beauty  of  conception, 
and  a  glow  of  feeling  quite  irresistible.  Very  many  in  our 
own  country  can  testify,  that  through  his  labors  they  not  only 
first  became  sensible  of  the  importance  of  missions,  but  of  the 
value  of  their  own  souls,  and  the  infinite  price  at  which  they 
were  redeemed." 

In  allusion  to  his  exertions  in  behalf  of  the  Jews,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hawtry  remarks  : — 

"  There  was  something  in  the  cause  of  poor  benighted  and 
outcast  Israel,  which  seemed  peculiarly  congenial  with  his  af- 
fectionate and  sympathizing  spirit.  To  exhibit  their  wrongs, 
and  paint  their  sorrows,  was  a  work  in  which  he  delighted  to 
be  engaged  ;  and  he  did  so  with  such  genuine  feeling  and  pa- 
thetic eloquence,  that  few  could  resist  his  appeals  ;  and  it 
would  not  be  easy  to  define  how  much,  under  God,  that  now 
widely  diff'used  compassion  for  this  interesting,  but  long-neg- 
lected  people,  is  to  be  attributed  to  his  pious  and  able  exer- 
tions in  their  behalf." 


REV.   LEGH  RICHMO>D. 


359 


"  Enough  has  been  witnessed  by  me.''  says  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hughes,  "  on  the  road,  in  famiUes,  and  at  pubHc  meetings, 
to  furnish  the  materials  of  an  ample  testimony  in  favor  of  that 
excellent  and  extraordinary  man.  To  a  sound  understand- 
ing,  a  full  command  of  thoughts  and  language,  a  free  and 
graceful  utterance,  and  an  exuberant  imagination,  he  added 
those  qualities  of  the  heart,  which  endeared  him  to  the  whole 
of  that  large  circle  in  which  he  moved.  Piety,  candor,  cour- 
tesy, and  Christian  kindness  were  embodied  in  all  his  de- 
meanor. Who  that  knew  him  could  ever  be  reminded  of  the 
gall  of  bitterness,  except  by  the  perfect  contrast  of  his  own 
admirable  dispositions  ? 

"If  all  the  professed  ministers  and  disciples  of  our  Lord 
shone  with  a  radiance  so  mild,  and  exemplified  a  zeal  so  pious 
and  affectionate,  then  would  the  church  embody  her  argu- 
ments and  persuasions  in  their  most  etfective  and  impressive 
form." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  of  Creaton,  one  of  his  oldest  and 
most  esteemed  friends,  thus  writes  : — 

"  He  was  no  common  man,  whether  considered  as  a  writer, 
a  speaker,  a  pastor,  a  parent,  or  a  friend.  I  always  felt  it 
my  honor  and  happiness  to  have  the  benefit  of  his  acquaint- 
ance, and  a  share  in  his  affections,  which  I  happily  enjoj-ed 
without  interruption,  from  the  time  he  came  to  reside  at  Tur- 
vey,  to  the  day  he  entered  his  eternal  rest.  And  I  can  now 
declare,  with  the  greatest  truth,  that  the  nearer  I  came  to 
him,  and  the  more  opportunities  I  had  of  entering  into  his 
real  character,  principles,  and  disposition,  the  more  I  loved 
and  esteemed  him." 

"  I  admit,"  remarks  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fry,  "  that  the  best  of 
men  are  men  at  the  best  ;  and  that  religion  has  sustained  no 
small  injury  from  the  unmeasured  and  injudicious  encomiums 
bestowed  on  its  professors,  by  friends  and  partisans.  Legh 
Richmond  might  have  his  weakness  as  well  as  others,  but  his 
faults  were  the  excesses  of  his  virtues.  After  a  very  inti- 
mate  and  confidential  intercourse  with  him  for  more  than 
twenty  years,  I  may  aver,  in  the  perfect  integrity  of  truth,  that 
in  my  judgment  he  was  equalled  by  few,  and  excelled  by  none. 
Although  there  is  a  considerable  affinity  of  character  in  the 
general  attainments  and  labors  of  the  distinguished  servants 
of  God,  there  were  some  qualities  in  him  which  might  be 
more  peculiarly  called  his  own. 


360 


-MEMOIRS    OF  THE 


"  Harmony  is  the  perfection  of  character,  and  Legh  Rich- 
mond exhibited  a  beautiful  combination  ofvaried  excellencies. 
With  an  acknowledged  superiority  of  talents  and  acquire, 
ments,  and  with  a  tide  of  popularity  and  usefulness,  which 
might  have  induced  a  train  of  fearful  temptations,  he  possessed 
a  deep  consciousness  of  his  own  unworthiness,  and  his  conduct 
was  marked  with  a  most  unfeigned  meekness  and  humility  : 
no  one  could  be  more  exempt  from  display.  His  rich  stores  of 
material  were  always  at  hand,  but  they  were  never  brought 
forward  till  the  occasion  called  for  them.  It  is  often  seen, 
that  men  of  commanding  minds  are  careless  of  the  feelings  of 
others,  and  unwilling  to  stoop  to  the  infirmities  of  the  weak. 
In  Legh  Richmond  were  united  strength  and  sweetness  ;  he 
had  a  '  head  of  intellect,  and  a  heart  of  love,'  as  was  expres- 
sively observed  by  my  friend  Mr.  Garrard.  He  possessed 
powers  to  grapple  with  a  giant,  and  sensibility  that  would 
not  trample  on  a  worm  ;  tenderness,  forbearance,  and  sym- 
pathy characterized  his  intercourse  with  every  one. 

"  Men  of  fine  taste  and  delicate  perceptions  are  frequently 
betrayed  into  fastidiousness;  and  are  apt  to  be  offended  with 
the  coarseness  and  peculiarity  which  sometimes  disfigures  a 
sincere  and  genuine  profession  of  religion  ;  but  Mr.  Rich- 
mond  kept  his  eye  fixed  on  the  jewel,  however  rough  and  un- 
sightly the  casket  which  contained  it. 

"  His  largeness  of  heart  embraced  every  part  of  the  church 
of  Christ,  and  the  kindness  and  cordiality  of  his  manner  en- 
deared him  to  all. 

"  From  his  connexion  and  correspondence  with  good  men, 
of  every  denomination,  he  was  suspected  by  some  of  indiffer- 
ence and  laxity  towards  the  principles  of  his  own  community. 

"  But  if  he  be  the  best  churchman,  the  purity  of  whose  doc- 
trine, and  the  fidelity  of  whose  labors  have  the  most  direct 
tendency  to  check  the  progress  of  dissent,  and  to  attract  nu- 
merous worshippers  within  the  walls  of  our  own  Zion,  no  man 
ever  possessed  ajuster  claim  to  this  title  than  the  subject  oi 
the  present  Memoir. 

"  He  was  conscientiously  and  firmly  attached  to  the  disci- 
pline as  well  as  to  the  doctrine  of  the  establishment,  and 
never  shrunk  from  its  defence,  when  he  thought  himself  call- 
ed upon  to  advocate  its  cause. 

"  He  was  remarkable  for  his  disinterestedness,  and  when- 
ever he  asked  a  favor,  it  was  for  others,  and  not  for  himself. 
Perhaps  I  cannot  better  illustrate  this  part  of  his  character 
than  by  relating  an  anecdote  of  Mr.  Howe,  (one  of  Oliver 


ILEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  , 


361 


Cromwell's  chaplains,)  to  whom,  in  many  points,  Legh  Rich- 
mond  bore  a  strong  resemblance.  Mr.  Howe  was  applied  to 
^    for  protection,  by  men  of  all  parties,  in  those  eventful  times  ; 
ft    audit  is  said  of  him,  that  he  never  refused  his  assistance  to 
IB   any  person  who  was  a  '  worthy  man,'  whatever  might  be  his 
IP  religious  tenets.    '  Mr.  Howe,'  (said  the  Protector  to  his 
chaplain,)  *you  have  asked  favors  for  every  body  beside  your- 
self, pray  when  does  your  turn  come  V    '  My  turn,  my  lord 
Protector,'  said  Mr.  Howe, '  is  always  come  when  I  can  serve 
another.' 

*'  He  had  a  great  abhorrence  of  slander  in  any  form,  or 
on  any  occasion  :  he  shrunk  from  its  foul  breath,  as  if  he 
feared  his  own  soul  would  be  polluted  by  it.  It  vv^as  a  maxim 
with  him, '  never  impute  a  had  motive  where  you  can  find  a 
good  one  ;  nor  repeat  a  thing  to  the  disadvantage  of  another, 
where  imperious  necessity  does  not  require  it.' 

"  It  is  no  small  praise  to  say  to  any  man,  *  they  loved  him 
best,  who  knew  him  most.'  Legh  Richmond  had  not  an  in- 
mate  of  his  family,  whether  wife,  child,  or  servant,  perhaps 
scarcely  a  parishioner,  who  can  even  now  hear  his  name 
without  emotion. 

It  is  little  to  say,  that  I  truly  loved  him,  and  shall  ever 
cherish  his  memory  with  affectionate  veneration. 

"  You,  my  dear  friend,  have  a  difficult  task  imposed  on 
you,  and  much  less  time  allowed  than  is  needful,  to  satisfy  the 
public  or  yourself,  in  the  execution  of  a  work  which  is  intend- 
ed to  exhibit  the  character  of  oae  ^  who  was  both  a  good  and  a 
great  man,  in  every  person's  estimation  but  his  owm.'  " 

We  merely  add  one  more  short  testimony,  from  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Gauntlett,  the  vicar  of  Olney. 

*'  Thousands,  and  tens  of  thousands  who  have  hung  with 
admiration,  affection,  and  interest  on  his  eloquent  addresses 
from  the  pulpit  and  the  platform,  will  unite  in  the  sentiment 
that  '  a  great  man  is  fallen.'  The  sermons  of  Legh  Richmond 
1    were  characterized  not  only  by  a  depth  of  piety,  and  a  sound 
I    orthodoxy,  in  strict'conformity  with  the  Scriptures,  and  with 
the  fathers  of  the  English  Church,  but  likewise  by  the  most 
pathetic  and  affectionate  appeals  to  his  auditors  on  the  subject 
of  personal  religion. — His  addresses  on  public  occasions,  in 
behalf  of  many  of  the  religious  societies,  were  marked  by  ex- 
;    traordinary  powers  of  description  ;  by  a  pathos  which  deeply 
interested  and  affected  his  audience  ;  by  felicitous  and  appro- 
31* 


362 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


priate  references  to  present  circumstances,  arising  fronn  the 
occasion  ;  and  by  an  eloquence  peculiar  tohimself,  which  must 
have  been  witnessed  to  be  duly  appreciated.  Mr.  Richmond 
was  strictly  an  extemporaneous  speaker.  The  remarks  of 
his  brethren,  and  others  on  the  platform,  were  frequently 
made  the  occasions  on  which  he  formed  the  most  judicious 
comments,  gratifying  to  their  authors,  illustrative  of  the  sub- 
ject, and  which,  while  they  delighted,  at  the  same  time  in- 
structed and  edified  his  auditors." 

We  intended  to  have  drawn  a  summary  of  the  character  of 
Mr.  Richmond,  founded  on  recollections  of  nearly  twenty 
years'  continuance;  but  our  anxiety  to  afford  room  for  the 
contributions  of  others,  leaves  little  space  for  our  own. 

In  the  few  remarks  which  we  shall  have  occasion  to  offer, 
it  is  as  a  minister  of  the  Gos-pel,  and  in  the  infuencc  of  his  ex- 
ample and  labors  on  the  age  in  which  he  livedo  that  we 
shall  principally  consider  him.  In  the  happy  union  of  minis- 
terial qualifications  ;  in  the  soundness  of  his  doctrines,  and 
their  close  approximation  to  those  of  the  Reformation,  we  con- 
sider him  to  have  been  excelled  by  no  man  ;  and  to  have  been 
a  prominent  instrument  in  reviving  that  sense  of  their  value, 
and  demand  for  their  delivery  which  is  now  become  so  percep- 
tible to  every  observer.  With  powers  of  mind  fiir  beyond  the 
common  standard,  it  vi^as  his  peculiar  advantage  to  be  born  in 
a  period  singularly  suited  to  their  developement.  The  Bible, 
the  Missionary,  and  the  Jewish  cause,  were  fit  themes  for  a 
mind  like  his,  and  afforded  ample  scope  for  expatiating  on  the 
sublime  truths  and  adorable  mercies  of  the  Christian  revela- 
tion, and  the  unchangeable  faithfulness,  power,  and  love  of 
their  divine  Author,  Some  men  follow  the  impression  of  the 
times  in  which  the  providence  of  God  has  placed  them.  It  was 
his  lot  to  be  one  of  the  first  and  foremost  in  awakening  and 
imparting  it.  He  was  evidently  raised  up  for  the  age  in  which 
he  lived,  and  one  of  the  instruments  chosen  of  God  to  give  to 
it  its  form  and  fashion.  With  a  persevering  energy,  which 
no  labor  could  weary,  he  advocated  the  cause  of  the  various 
religious  societies  to  crowded  and  delighted  auditories  ;  and 
roused  the  public  feeling  in  almost  every  part  of  the  kingdom. 
We  willingly  allow  to  others  their  share  of  fellowship  in  this 
great  work ;  but  no  one  can  review,  with  holy  gratitude  and 
love,  the  present  extent  and  diffusion  of  this  spirit,  without 
exclaiming,  "  we  owe  much  of  this  enlarged  and  noble  feel- 
ing to  the  zeal  and  labors  of  Legh  Richmond." 


EEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


363 


With  respect  to  the  style  and  manner  of  his  preachincr, 
after  what  has  been  already  observed,  little  remains  to  be  ad- 
ded. His  views  of  a  subject  were  powerful  and  comprehen- 
sive. He  could  present  the  same  idea  under  different  forms; 
communicate  to  others  the  fervor  of  his  own  conceptions  ;  as- 
tonish by  rapidity,  and  please  by  variety.  He  delighted  to 
lead  the  penitent  sinner  to  repose  on  the  promises  and  mer- 
cies of  the  Gospel ;  or  he  could  awe  the  conscience,  by  de- 
picting the  solemnities  of  death  and  judgment.  He  was  not 
always  equal,  and  required  excitement ;  but  on  occasions  that 
demanded  the  exercise  of  deep  thought,  and  the  capacity  to 
interest,  to  inform,  and  edify,  he  seldom  disappointed  expecta- 
tion. If  his  labours  had  not  been  so  extensively  blest  at  Tur- 
vey,  we  should  have  said  that  a  more  public  sphere  would 
have  been  better  adapted  to  the  character  and  powers  of  his 
mind.  But  the  Lord  knows  best  how  to  appoint  our  portion. 
St.  John,  even  in  the  retirement  at  Patmos,  was  not  preclud- 
ed  from  eminently  serving  the  cause  of  divine  truth  ;  and  in 
his  prophetic  page,  unfolded  events,  embracing  the  interests 
of  the  church  of  Christ,  till  its  final  consummation  in  eternity. 

As  a  public  speaker,  he  possessed  a  felicity  of  idea  and 
expression  peculiar  to  himself.  His  thoughts  were  natural 
and  simple.  They  seemed  to  flow  without  effort,  and  to  be 
the  spontaneous  production  of  his  mind ;  but  his  imagination 
cloliied  them  in  a  form  that  resembled  the  varied  tints,  the 
brilliant  glow,  and  the  harmonious  coloring  of  the  rainbow. 
His  images  were  frequently  borrowed  from  the  scenes  of 
nature,  which  were  made  to  illustrate  some  instructive  and 
spiritual  truth.  The  lofry  mountain  and  the  verdant  vale, 
the  tranquil  rivulet,  or  broad  expanse  of  ocean,  all  became 
tributary  to  his  imagination,  and  supplied  materials  to  his 
creative  fancy.  He  could  affect  the  heart  by  touches  the 
most  natural,  and  by  appeals  the  most  pathetic.  He  could 
restore  the  spirit  of  a  meeting  when  it  was  cold  or  languid ; 
could  speak  early  or  late ;  could  select  his  topics  from  the  ideas 
of  preceding  speakers,  or  invent  them  for  himself,  while  his 
delighted  auditors  would  listen  with  a  smile  on  the  counte- 
nance, and  with  a  sensation  of  joy  in  the  heart,  that  seemed 
to  take  from  lime  its  flight,  and  from  fatigue  its  weariness.  If 
it  be  said  that  this  style  is  less  adapted  to  religious  subjects, 
and  must  have  possessed  more  of  taste  than  solidity,  more 
of  what  was  interesting  to  the  imagination,  than  edifying  to 
the  mind,  or  awakening  to  the  conscience  ;  truth  and  justice 
require  us  to  remark,  that  he  never  forgot  the  spiritual  im. 


364 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


provement  of  his  hearers.  As  a  speaker,  he  produced  the  ef- 
fect excited  by  contemplating  a  landscape  of  Claude  ;  but,  as 
in  the  productions  of  that  artist,  amidst  scenes  the  most  pictu- 
resque and  lovely,  the  rivers  or  waters  of  the  ocean  always 
form  a  leading  and  prominent  feature,  so  in  the  addresses  of 
Legh  Richmond,  "  the  river  of  the  water  of  life"  was  the  one 
great  subject  that  called  forth  every  energy  of  his  mind,  every 
creation  of  his  imagination,  and  every  warm  emotion  of  his 
heart. 

His  conversational  powers  deserve  also  to  be  noticed. 

He  was  usually  silent,  till  called  into  discussion  :  but  when 
once  engaged  in  it,  by  minds  kindred  with  his  own,  and  on 
topics  endeared  to  his  feelings,  he  was  peculiarly  instructive 
and  interesting.  From  the  stores  of  his  rich  and  highly  cul- 
tivated understanding,  he  would  pour  forth  a  mass  of  valuable 
and  solid  information,  that  surprised  by  its  extent  and  excel- 
lence. As  he  pursued  the  inquiry,  new  views  and  conceptions 
succeeded  each  other  in  rapid  succession,  like  the  traveller 
who  extends  his  horizon  as  he  scales  the  summit  of  the  moun- 
tain. His  reflections  showed  the  fertility  of  his  intellect,  and 
the  benignity  of  his  heart.  He  was  eloquent,  because  his 
mind  was  ardent ;  and  persuasive,  because  truth  was  his  aim 
and  object.  These  qualifications  gave  to  the  hours  of  social 
converse  a  charm  which  refreshed  the  spirit,  and  warmed  and 
purified  the  heart.  And  if  conversation  were  but  more  im- 
proved to  these  ends  ;  if  it^were  considered,  not  as  the  mere 
act  of  friendly  and  social  intercourse,  but  as  the  interchange 
of  kind  and  affectionate  feeling,  and  the  occasion  of  mutual 
edification,  it  would  then 'answer  the  important  design  pre- 
scribed in  the  greatest  of  all  standards.*  It  would  be  a 
means  of  grace ;  and  while  the  stream  itself  might  lead  to  the 
living  fountain,  the  bond  of  social  union  would  be  strengthen- 
ed, the  affections  of  the  soul  be  developed,  and  sorrows  lose 
half  their  bitterness,  by  the  sweetness  of  Christian  solace  and 
participation. 

In  this  humble  endeavor  to  delineate  his  character,  how 
strongly  does  his  image  present  itself  to  the  mind  of  the  writer  ! 
Recollections  of  the  past  rise  up  in  quick  and  affecting  succes- 
sion. Hours,  once  enlivened  by  edifying  and  delightful  inter- 
course, are  gone  by  for  ever,  embittered  by  the  regret,  that 
the  profit  they  were  calculated  to  aff"ord  was  not  more  highly 
appreciated.    Yet  to  memory  they  are  ever  dear.    And  so 

*  "  Let  your  speech  be  always  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt." — Coloss. 
it.  6. 


BEV.   LEGH  EICHMOND. 


365 


long  as  affection  shall  glow  in  the  heart,  and  cnr{hl5\friend- 
ship,  founded  on  the  principles  of  the  Gospel,  be  justly  con- 
sidered as  one  of  the  sources  of  pure  and  exalted  enjoyment, 
he  will  ever  enumerate  it  as  one  of  the  causes  of  deep-felt 
gratitude  to  God,  that  he  was  honored  by  the  friendshrip  of 
Legh  Richmond. 

If  it  be  said,  that  in  the  above  outline  there  is  a  faithful 
enumeration  of  what  is  excellent  in  the  character  of  Legh 
Richmond,  and  that  what  now  remains  is  with  equal  fidelity  to 
record  what  is  defective  ;  painful  as  it  is  at  all  times  to  ex- 
ercise so  ungrateful  an  office,  we  are  nevertheless  supported 
by  the  conviction  that  we  can  record  no  blemish  that  affected 
the  loveliness  of  the  Christian,  or  the  estimation  of  the  man. 
The  vulnerable  part  of  his  character  ha"  been  considered  to 
be  his  supposed  neglect  of  his  family  and  parish.  But  we 
confidently  appeal,  to  the  numerous  letters  inserted  in  this 
Memoir,  exhibiting  the  most  unequivocal  proofs  of  pious  soli- 
citude for  their  religious  principles  and  conduct ;  we  appeal 
to  the  testimonies  borne  by  his  wife,  and  by  one  of  his  own 
children,  whether  this  charge  is  not  most  successfully  refu- 
ted ;  and  whether  the  parental  and  dornestrc  virtues  do  not 
form  that  portion  of  his  character  on  which  the  heart  reposes 
with  delight  and  admiration  ?  In  reference  to  iiis  parish,  let  his 
pastoral  letters,  let  his  school,  his  communicants,  his  converts, 
and  the  tears  and  benedictions  of  his  bereaved  parishioners 
be  his  witnesses  before  men,  as  they  are  his  record  before 
God.  In  pursuing  our  inquir}',  it  will,  perhaps,  awaken  the 
astonishment  of  the  reader,  who  has  been  contemplating  the 
laborious  career  of  his  life,  to  be  told  that  indolence  was  jiaiu- 
rally  his  hesetting  sin,  'the  thorn  in  the  flesh,'  against  which 
he  had  unceasingly  to  contend.  It  will  be  remembered  that 
in  his  diary,  the  following  remarkable  words  occur  ;  '  sloth, 
detested  sloth,  how  does  it  injure  my  advancement  ;'  and 
again,  *  what  methods  shall  I  take  to  cure  my  spiritual  sloth- 
fulness  ?  There  must  be  a  struggle  and  agony — heaven  must 
be  taken  with  violence.'*  We  more  particularly  mention  this 
fact,  that  we  may  magnify  that  grace  which  could  thus  con- 
vert indolence  into  activity,  and  supineness  into  zeal,  till  life 
itself  became  the  sacrifice  of  his  exertions,  and  he  died  liter- 
ally spent  in  his  Master's  service. f 

*  See  pRge  42. 

t  It  was  stated  by  Dr  Thackeray,  n  well-known  and  hij^lily  respectable 
physician  in  Bedfordshire,  wlio  attended  him  in  iiis  last  illness,  that  he  fell  a 
martyr  to  his  niini>terial  labors, — that  the  death  of  his  son  might  have  hasten- 
ed the  eveut,  but  that  his  frame  had  been  sinking  for  the  last  two  years. 


366 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


Let  the  reader  improve  the  knowledge  of  this  circumstance 
to  his  own  personal  edification,  and  reflect  that  natural  infirm- 
ities aflTord  no  justification  for  their  indulgence  ;  that  they  are 
not  only  to  be  resisted,  but  may  be  subdued  ;  that  God's 
strength  is  perfected  in  man's  weakness,  and  that  divine  truth 
has  declared  for  our  encouragement,  "My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee." 

There  was  also  an  excess  of  sensibility  in  Mr.  Richmond's 
character,  often  injurious  to  his  inward  serenity  and  comfort, 
and  which  placed  his  feelings  too  much  under  the  dominion  of 
others.  His  tender  spirit  could  not  bear  an  unkind  word,  and 
still  less  an  uncharitable  act ;  and  in  the  hours  of  confidential 
intercourse,  he  would  deeply  mourn  over  a  tendency,  even  in 
what  is  called  the  religious  world,  to  exercise  a  censorious 
spirit  incompatible  with  Christian  charity,  and  with  the  mild 
precepts  of  the  Gospel  of  peace.  Latterly  the  events  of  life 
powerfully  afiected  him.  The  editor  could  not  avoid  contrast- 
ing his  friend's  feelings  at  this  period,  with  the  calm  serenity 
which  he  manifested  in  the  supposed  last  moments  of  his  dy- 
ing wife.  Nor  can  he  reject  the  conviction  that  men  feel  and 
act  differently  in  different  periods  and  circumstances  of  life. 
The  vigor  of  faith,  so  far  as  it  is  a  gracious  principle,  may 
and  ought  to  triumph  over  the  ills  attendant  on  mortality.  But 
diminished  health  and  \veakened  nerves  frequently  exercise 
their  effect  on  the  energies  of  our  Christian  graces  ;  and  sen- 
sibility is  often  in  danger  of  becoming  too  acute  from  ac- 
cumulated trials.  No  character  indeed  excites  much  inte- 
rest that  is  deficient  in  sensibility,  and  the  powers  of  refined 
taste,  the  rich  imagination,  and  the  capacity  to  enjoy  and  to 
impart  aflTectionate  emotions,  are  intimately  allied  to  this 
qualification.  But  if  not  duly  regulated,  sensitiveness  of  feel- 
ing preys  upon  the  heart,  and  undermines  the  strength ;  and 
the  body  may  become  the  shattered  vic-tim  of  its  inroads,  and 
sink  into  premature  decay. 

We  have  already  alluded  to  his  unfitness  for  the  secular 
concerns  and  business  of  common  life.  It  might  be  that  his 
mind  was  absorbed  with  higher  contemplations,  and  that  he 
forgot  the  perishing  dust  of  this  earth,  in  his  pursuit  after  the 
imperishable  riches  of  heaven.  His  excellent  wife  amply 
supplied  the  omission  ;  and  the  manner  in  which  his  children 
have  been  brought  up,  and  educated,  to  the  period  of  his  de- 
cease, is  the  best  commentary  on  the  subject. 

We  are  not  aware  that  we  are  either  called  upon  or  able 
to  enumerate  any  thing  further.  And  yet,  if  we  knew  of  any 


REV.   LEGH  BICHMOND. 


367 


unfavourable  circumstance,  that  might  operate  as  a  warning 
to  others,  though  at  the  expense  even  of  our  revered  friend, 
we  assure  the  reader  that  such  is  our  strict  regard  for  truth, 
and  our  desire  to  fulfil  the  ends  of  impartial  justice,  that  we 
should  not  feel  justified  in  withholding  it.  We  wish  to  assign 
to  him  no  virtues  which  he  did  not  possess — to  impute  to  him 
no  defects  with  which  he  is  not  justly  chargeable.  The  first 
would  have  wounded  his  humility  when  living,  and  could  re- 
fleet  no  real  honor  on  his  memory,  now  that  he  is  dead.  The 
latter  would  equally  violate  both  truth  and  friendship.  We 
are  convinced  that  his  own  estimation  of  himself  would  be 
best  expressed  in  the  language  of  the  publican — "  God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !" 

But  let  us  raise  our  thoughts  beyond  the  tribunal  of  erring 
mortals.  To  Legh  Richmond  the  judgment  of  man  must  now 
be  a  matter  of  profound  indifference.  Praise  the  most  eleva- 
ted can  add  nothing  to  the  enjoyments  of  that  scene  on  which 
he  has  entered  ;  censure  the  most  severe  can  detract  nothing 
from  its  blessedness.  Let  it  rather  be  our  inquiry,  how  we 
may  best  imitate  the  virtues  that  have  been  recorded,  and 
learn  those  moral  truths  with  which  his  history  is  connected. 

Let  those  who  have  been  accustomed  to  view  characters 
like  Mr.  Richmond  through  an  unfavourable  medium,  here 
recognise  their  error,  and  acknowledge  how  prejudice  dis- 
torts  the  judgment,  and  vitiates  the  feelings  of  the  heart. 
One  benefit  which  the  writer  humbly  anticipates  from  the 
present  undertaking  is,  that  prejudices  may  be  removed  or 
softened,  and  a  more  just  estimate  be  formed  of  the  doctrines, 
principles,  and  system  of  conduct,  which  have  been  brought 
under  the  contemplation  of  the  reader.  Let  their  correctness 
be  determined  not  by  preconceived  notions,  but  by  a  reference 
to  the  Bible,  as  the  works  of  the  Reformers,  and  the  Articles 
and  Homilies  of  the  Church  of  England.  The  conviction,  he 
trusts,  will  not  fail  to  follow,  in  the  mind  of  every  candid 
reader,  that  il  is  only  in  proportion  as  men  like  Mr.  Richmond 
are  raised  up  and  multiplied,  that  the  piety  and  interests  of 
our  own  church,  and  those  of  our  common  Christianity,  can 
be  effectually  upheld  and  promoted. 

While  the  admirer  of  the  works  of  Providence,  the  bus- 
band,  the  father,  and  the  Christian  may  derive  important  in- 
struction from  the  example  and  writings  of  Legh  Richmond, 
it  is  to  the  ministers  of  the  sanctuary  that  he  pre-eminently 
holds  forth  a  most  profitable  subject  for  contemplation.  The 
prominent  feature  in  his  character  is  his  laborious  usefulness. 


368 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE 


In  endeavoii.  "ng  to  trace  the  causes  of  this  fact,  we  should 
derogate  from  the  grace  of  God,  if  we  ascribed  too  much  to 
the  nature  of  his  endowments,  to  the  elegance  of  his  taste,  or 
the  richness  of  his  imagination.  These  qualilications  may 
command  admiration,  but  they  are  not  accessaiiiy  associated 
with  usefulness.  Instances,  alas!  might  be  multiplied  in  proof 
of  this  assertion  In  his  case,  it  was  their  application  that 
ennobled  their  character,  by  elevating  their  object  and  ten- 
dency. All  the  faculties  of  Legh  Richmond  were  consecrated 
to  the  glory  of  their  divine  Author.  In  inquiring  more  mi- 
nutely into  the  causes  of  his  success,  we  may  observe,  that 
he  possessed  the  three  important  qualifications  specified  by 
Luther  as  essential  to  constitute  a  good  preacher,  '•  prayer, 
study,  and  temptations,^^  Prayer  brought  from  above  the  de- 
scending Spirit,  study  furnished  the  materials  for  thought, 
and  outward  trials  and  inward  conflicts  perfected  the  work  of 
ministerial  fitness.  The  purity  of  his  doctrine  was  a  farther 
influential  cause.  He  was  "in  doctrine  uncorrupt."  His  di- 
vinity was  not  diluted  with  earthly  mixtures,  but  flowed  I'rom 
the  rock  ;  and  that  rock  was  Christ.  The  Saviour  was  ex- 
hibited in  all  his  various  offices,  as  Prophet,  Priest,  and  Xing, 
and  embodied  in  every  precept  and  promise. 

His  affectionate  manner  of  address  was  another  concurring 
cause.  It  has  been  observed  that  some  ministers  prea«;h  as 
if  they  were  "scolding  their  people."*  It  was  Mr.  Rich- 
mond's uniform  aim  to  win  by  affection.  No  preacher  more 
fully  verified  the  remark,  "  speaking  the  truth  in  love." 

He  was  singularly  adapted  to  the  age  in  which  he  lived. 
He  might  truly  be  said  to  be  born  for  the  times,  and  to  pos- 
sess the  very  qualifications  which  the  character  of  tiie  age 
most  demanded. 

His  zeal  was  also  a  distinguishing  characterislic.  His 
heart  was  in  his  work.  He  was  "  fervent  in  spirit,  serving 
the  Lord."  In  every  ivork  that  he  began  in  the  sercice  of  the 
house  of  God,  and  in  the  law,  and  the  command  me  nis,  to  seek 
his  God,  he  did  it  with  all  his  heart,  and  prospered.''^  2  Chroa. 
xxxi,  21. 

The  union  of  these  qualifications  will  generally  be  found 
to  be  the  best  pledges  of  ministerial  success. 

But  we  hasten  to  bring  these  remarks  to  a  close. 

It  must  be  no  small  source  of  satisfaction  to  that  venerated 
individual,  whose  endeared  name  is  associated  with  one  of  the 

*  We  believe  lliis  remark  Is  atjribulcd  to  the  late  Mr.  Scott. 


REV,  LEGH  RICHMOND. 


369 


brightest  triumphs  of  humanity,*  that  he  was  the  instrument, 
chosen  of  God,  first  to  awaken  the  mind  of  Legh  Richmond 
to  clear  and  saving  views  of  divine  truth  ;  and,  from  the  peri- 
od when  these  impressions  of  divine  grace  were  productive  of 
so  great  a  change,  that  his  course  was  marked  by  such  extra- 
ordinary  usefulness,  till  death,  terminating  his  labors,  put  its 
seal  of  consecration  on  his  memory.  At  the  close  of  a  life, 
distinguished  not  less  by  length  of  years,  than  by  virtues,  and 
by  a  series  of  eminent  services,  that  must  ever  enrol  the 
n^me  of  Wilberforce,  among  the  friends  and  benefactors  of 
mankind,  may  the  above  recollection  furnish  one  more  cause 
for  pious  gratitude  to  the  Author  of  all  his  mercies.  May 
his  excellent  and  well. known  work  on  "  Practical  Christianity 
be  read  with  increasing  profit  by  the  present  and  by  succeed- 
ing generationsj;  and  may  his  declining  days  be  so  sheered 
by  the  peace,  and  joy,  and  hopes  of  the  Gospel,  as  to  resem- 
ble the  glowing  beauties  of  a  setting  sun,  which  brightening 
the  horizon  with  the  splendor  of  its  rays,  expires  amidst  a 
flood  of  light  and  of  glory. 

May  too  the  providence  and  grace  of  God  raise  »p  among 
us  ministers  like-minded  with  Legh  Richmond,-^men  suited 
to  the  character  of  the  age  in  which  thev  live, — whose  minds 
are  as  expanded  as  their  hearts  are  accessible  to  all  the  sym- 
pathies of  Christian  charity, — eminent  in  piety,  zeal,  en- 
dowments, and  usefulness, — willing  to  "  spend  and  be  spent" 
in  their  Master's  service, — who  "  serve  the  Lord  Christ," — 
"  pastors  after  his  own  heart,  who  shall  feed  the  people  with 
knowledge  and  understanding."  May  this  wish  be  the  more 
ardently  felt  and  offered  up  from  the  conviction  that  no  na- 
tional reformation  is  ever  likely  to  take  place  among  us,  that 
is  not  first  preceded  by  a  reformation,  as  wide  as  it  shall  be 
effective,  among  our  National  Clergy.  Ma}^  the  conscious- 
ness that  many  are  already  departed  in  the  Lord,  who  were 
distinguished  by  this  spirit,  and  that  many  still  survive  who 
are  drinking  of  the  same  fountain,  encourage  us  to  hope  that 
this  period  is  fast  approaching,  and  that  the  quality  of  the  first 
fruits  is  the  best  pledge  of  an  abundant  and  glorious  harvest ; 
and  while  we  pause  over  the  graves  of  a  Cecil,  a  Robinson,  a 
Martyn,  a  Scott,  and  a  Richmond,  let  us  listen  to  the  whisper- 
ings of  that  warning  voice  which  tells  us,  "  Be  ye  followers  of 
them,  who  through  faith  and  patience  have  inherited  the  pro. 
raises." 

AT''®,.^r^?'''*°"  Slave  Trade,  accomplished  by  tlie  persevering  efforls 

of  Mr.  Wilberforce. 

32 


370 


MEMOIRS  OF  THE 


If  too  our  Brethren  will  pardon  the  solicitude  which  prompts 
the  appeal,  we  would  respectfully  address  them  in  the  impres- 
sive words  of  Bishop  Taylor. 

"  God  gives  of  his  Spirit  to  all  men,  but  you  he  hath  made 
the  ministers  of  his  Spirit.  You  are,  and  are  to  be  respec- 
tively, that  considerable  part  of  mankind,  by  whom  God  in- 
tends to  plant  holiness  in  the  world ;  by  you  God  means  to 
reign  in  the  hearts  of  men  ;  and  therefore  you  are  to  be  first 
in  this  kind,  and  consequently  the  measure  of  all  the  rest. 
You  are  the  choicest  of  his  choice,  the  elect  of  his  election, 
a  church  picked  out  of  the  church.  They  are  to  be  exam- 
ples of  good  life  to  one  another  ;  but  you  are  to  be  examples 
even  of  the  examples  themselves.  You  may  be  innocent,  and 
yet  not  <  zealous  of  good  works but  if  you  be  not  this  ;  you 
are  not  good  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ.  You  must  be  excellent, 
not  Hanquam  unus  de  populo,^  but  Uanquam  homo  Dei not 
after  the  common  manner  of  men,  but '  after  God's  own  heart 
not  only  pure,  but  shining  ;  not  only  blameless,  but  didactic, 
in  your  lives  ;  that  as  by  your  sermons  you  preach  in  season, 
so  by  your  lives  you  may  preach  out  of  season  ;  that  is,  at  all 
seasons,  and  to  all  men  ;  that  they,  seeing  your  good  works, 
may  glorify  God  on  your  behalf,  and  on  their  own."* 

And  oh  !  how  great  and  transcendent  will  be  the  reward  of 
Ihe  Christian  pastor  who  has  labored  with  patience,  and  has 
not  fainted,  and  who  shall  at  length  reap  the  harvest  of  an 
eternal  blessedness  !  His  trials  may,  in  numerous  instances, 
be  signal,  as  in  the  case  of  Legh  Richmond  ;  and  successive 
purifying  dispensations  may  be  the  ordained  messengers  of 
God's  providence,  and  necessary  to  accomplish  the  mysteri- 
ous purposes  of  his  grace ;  but  the  days  of  mourning  shall 
have  an  end,  and  the  year  of  recompense  is  at  hand.  And 
then  how  justly  may  we  apply  the  animating  language  recor- 
ded in  the  Volume  of  inspiration  :  "  Who  are  these  which  are 
arrayed  in  white  robes  ?  And  whence  came  they  ?  And  I  said 
unto  him,  Sir,  thou  knowest.  And  he  said  to  me,  These  are 
they  who  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 
Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  him 
day  and  night  in  his  temple  :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne 

*  See  Bishop  Taylor's  Sermon,  entilled  '  The  Minister's  Duty  in  Life  and 
Doctrine.' 


EEV.  LEGH  RICHMOND.  371 

shall  dwell  among  them.  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither 
thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any 
heat.  For  the  Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne, 
shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of 
waters  ;  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes."* 

*Rev.  Tii,  13—17. 


THE  END. 


